Monday, September 25 2006 10:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangkok: Thailand's new military rulers yesterday (Sept 24, 2006) stepped up efforts to expose alleged corruption in the government it overthrew, setting up a new anti-graft body with the power to seize assets of guilty politicians.

The military council named a high-level nine-member committee to investigate alleged wrongdoing in the administration of ousted Prime Minster Thaksin Shinawatra, who is suspected to have transferred some of his wealth abroad before the Sept 19 coup.

"There is a sufficient evidence to believe that (members of the former government) abused their power to reap benefits for their personal gain, and caused serious damage to the country,'' the military said in a late-night television announcement interrupting regular programming.

"If there is sufficient evidence to prove wealth has been acquired illegally, the committee has the power to freeze or confiscate assets of the politician, his or her spouse, and children _ including those under 18 years old," it said.



"The committee, which has one year to complete its work, also shall forward cases to the Attorney General for prosecution," it said.

The military council, officially called the Council for Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy, yesterday also announced new measures to choke off any possible opposition by banning political activities at the local level.

But under pressure from critics at home and abroad to restore democracy in the Southeast Asian country, it also said an interim civilian government may be announced in the next week.

"The name of the prime minister is expected to be announced late this week at the earliest,'' army spokesman Akara Thiproj said. The military had said it would hand over power to civilians within two weeks of the coup, and that a new election would be held by next October.

On Friday, the military revived the National Counter Corruption Commission to probe corruption in the Thaksin government. The NCCC, however, can only seek to prosecute cases through the courts, and cannot seize assets or otherwise enforce its findings. Its first meeting will be held today(Sept 25, 2006).

Thaksin's critics charged that he used his official position to enrich himself and his associates. The military has cited corruption as one of the reasons for the takeover. It also charged that Thaksin had insulted the country's revered monarchy and interfered with independent state bodies.

The former prime minister's family was one of the wealthiest in Southeast Asia even before he came into office in 2001. Calls for his resignation grew, however, after hesold the centerpiece of his business empire telecoms giant Shin Corp.

Speculation rose today over whether Thaksin may have transferred his wealth abroad before being deposed.

Airline officials said that Thaksin might have spirited some of his assets out of the country in the days before the coup. They said two planes chartered by Thaksin carried an unusually large amount of luggage _ over 100 cases and trunks. An official from flag carrier Thai Airways International, who insisted on anonymity because he was not allowed to speak to the press, said he wanted the military council to investigate the incidents.

Thaksin was in New York when the coup _ the first in 15 years _ was carried out, and is now in London.