Pracharaj Leader Indicted for Alpine Land Scandal

UPDATE : 5 February 2010 The anti-graft agency has found the former deputy interior minister and leader of Pracharaj Party guilty in the Alpine land-holding case and will seek charges against him from the Supreme Court.

Klanarong Chantik, a member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission or NACC, revealed that the NACC board found the leader of the Pracharaj Party, Sanoh Thienthong, along with eight associates, guilty in the Alpine land ownership scandal.

NACC said the controversial 732-rai land plot at the Alpine Golf Club was originally owned by Niam Chamnarnchartsakda, who donated it in her will to Thammikaram Temple in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

The temple later sought to register the land plot as monastic property but the move was blocked by then Deputy Interior Minister Sanoh, citing Section 84 of the Land Act which gives the minister authority to approve the holding of land larger than 50 rai by a temple.

The disputed land was subsequently sold to Alpine Real Estate and Alpine Golf and Sports Club, in which Sanoh, his family members and aides were major shareholders.

Klanarong said his agency found that Sanoh violated Section 148 and 157 of the Criminal Code and will submit its ruling to the Office of the Attorney-General.

However, it will seek charges only under Section 148 from the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, since the Statute of Limitations for charges under Section 157 has already expired.