AMLO suspicious of HK dollar flow to Thailand

Thailand News - Wednesday December 12, 2007

AMLO suspicious of HK dollar flow to Thailand

The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and the Immigration Police Bureau will be assigned to investigate the amount of 6 million Hong Kong dollar brought into Thailand late last month, said Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin on Tuesday.

Gen. Sonthi added that a special committee will be set up to find out why such an enormous amount – equivalent to 60 million Baht – was brought into Thailand just a few weeks before the general election.

According to police, the cash was carried by three Hong Kong tourists to Suvarnabhumi international airport on November 28. The whereabouts of the money is now unknown.

The trio actually declared the amount at the customs office of Suvarnabhumi international airport, but did not reveal the intention of moving such a large amount of cash.

Deputy Finance Minister Sommai Phasee said unlimited amounts of foreign currencies can be brought into the Kingdom but it must be declared to customs officials at the port of entry.

Persons who bring foreign currencies into Thailand must also declare to the Bank of Thailand the purpose of the money, said Mr. Sommai. (TNA)

19:45 Dec 11, 2007

Bangkok Post