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The fifth hearing of the Supreme court saw three witnesses, MR Pridiyathorn Devakula (ม.ร.ว.ปรีดิยาธร เทวกุล), The former Chairman of the Bank of Thailand, and Chairman of the FIDF at the time of the auction; Udom Fuengfung (อุดม เฟื่องฟุ้ง), Chairman of the Asset Examination Committee’s (AEC) sub-committee looking into the Ratchada-Phisek land scandal and Sombun Koptimnan (นายสมบูรณ์ คุปติมนัส), who was the attorney for Pojaman for the land purchase.The first witness called was Pridiyathorn Devakula. (Note: There have been reports that defence lawyers were barred from the hearing of Pridiyathorns testimony.)Pridiyathorn testified that there was nothing irregular about the Ratchadapisek land auction won by then premier wife Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra.When asked by a presiding judge if he had ever discussed the matter with then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Pridyathorn replied: "Never. Also, I don't mingle with him." The former central bank chief also told the court that it was FIDF's duty to buy troubled assets from financial firm at high price and when the land was auctioned to Pojaman, the land price was lower but it justified the role of FIDF nonetheless. He also stated,” If we can sell it we must hurry", adding that the land is also handicapped by the fact that there exists a Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) restriction not to build anything above 23 meter close to The Thai Culture Centre.
When asked by the plaintiff lawyer whether he would have sold the land at a lower price than what he bought for if it were his own business, Pridyathorn replied: "No. It's impossible. But if someone else sells it to me then I will [take it]." When asked by a presiding judge whether there was anything else he wished to add to the proceedings, Pridyathorn stated that he had already formally testified to the AEC regarding the case, and he had nothing further to add from that testimony.
The second witness of the day was Udon Fueangfung. Udom cited irregular activities by Land Department official and possible collaboration from FIDF staff. Udom also questioned whether Prediyathorn has leak the information about the minimum selling price to someone or not. Udom later was later aggressively cross-examined by defence lawyer team whether he intentionally disregard materials and witnesses who run contrary to the AEC's subcommittee conclusion or not. Udom denied but was visible upset.
The third witness was Sombun Koptimnan, Pojaman's attorney for the land deal. He testified that he had looked into the various legal concerns and had advised that there was no conflict of interest in this case, and therefore Pojaman could proceed with making a bid in the auction.
The Supreme court also heard a petition from Thaksin and Pojaman Shinawatra, asking for permission to travel to Japan, China and England. The court granted the petition, allowing the two to leave the kingdom for a trip to Japan and China between July 31st to August 10th. The court also decided that the couple's will have to report themselves to the court after returning and re-petition for the later trip to England.
The court scheduled the next hearing to take place on August 1st 2008
