Customs staff face probe over 500 'missing' cars

[misskit]

Some 100 luxury cars retrieved so far; further information to be sought from importers

Two officials from the Customs Department have been moved to inactive positions pending investigation into their role in the disappearance of some 500 luxury vehicles that went missing from the customs' bonded warehouses.

Customs Department chief Somchai Sujjapongse said yesterday that some 100 cars had been retrieved so far and that the authorities would seek information from importers to help find the other missing cars.

These vehicles were stored along with other dutiable goods at the warehouses - which comprise state-owned facilities and private operators' storage spaces - pending tax payments. Imported goods can be stored at customs warehouses for up to a year, while importers can temporarily remove these goods by placing a deposit and providing a sound reason for the removal, such as modification, maintenance or presentation to customers.

Many of the missing vehicles were reportedly taken out in such a manner, but not returned. Some had also reportedly gone missing while being taken to the warehouse, an informed source said. The importers of luxury cars were mostly independent car deals, though some were also rich and influential individuals.

More here: Customs staff face probe over 500 'missing' cars - The Nation

[Albert Shagnastier]

Only thing I've ever had stolen off me here was a motorbike, and it was stolen in the same manner but by lumpini police station so this doesn't surprise me at all.

[BaitongBoy]

Customs staff face probe over 500 'missing' cars

Probe them GangBang Style...With apologies to Gangnam Style...

[flyfisher davis]

Why are these people never fired...How many "inactive posts" are there in this country...And why are they still collecting a paycheck while doing their inactive thing...

[pseudolus]

I don't think, reading between the lines, that this has anything to do with the cars being stolen. The HiSo elites are bring a car into Thailand and then bribing the customs guys to take the car without paying the tax owed on it.

[baldrick]

Why are these people never fired...How many "inactive posts" are there in this country

labour laws and the thai legal system

the best they can do is move them farther from the trough

[pseudolus]

Why are these people never fired...How many "inactive posts" are there in this country

labour laws and the thai legal system

the best they can do is move them farther from the trough

Also most of them bribe their way to get the job so if they are sacked, they then will be asking for their money back if they are sacked for doing exactly what they paid their bribe to be able to do in the first place.

[Kiwi611]

Wow!!

[Kiwi611]

They got light hands..to take it that quick..