MPs Can Borrow Watches, Anti-Graft Officials Rule

Deputy junta chairman Prawit Wongsuwan chairs a government meeting in November 2016.

BANGKOK — Yes, it’s okay for politicians to borrow megaluxury watches from friends and not declare them in transparency documentation, the anti-corruption agency said Wednesday.

Using the same argument that cleared deputy junta chairman Prawit Wongsuwan of his watch scandals, the Anti-Corruption Commission said politicians and officials are only required to declare their own assets in mandatory transparency reports, which does not include stuff borrowed temporarily.

Commission sec-gen Worawit Sukboon made the comment after an opposition MP raised a question during a parliament session about whether politicians can borrow expensive timepieces from their friends without getting in legal trouble, in apparent mockery of Gen. Prawit’s watch controversy.

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Repeating the General’s explanation, Worawit said today Prawit was cleared of wrongdoing because he already returned all watches to his friend.

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He also dismissed accusations from the public that his agency acted in favor of the junta’s second-in-command.

“Whenever we deliberate on any case, we must deliberate with facts, evidence and legal principles,” Worawit said. “We cannot deliberate with feelings and social pressure.”