SATTAHIP — Speculation surrounding the contents of several submerged containers in the coastal water off Chon Buri came to an end today when navy divers opened the rusted hulks and discovered millions of unsold Thailand Elite Cards inside. Additionally, some 300 tons of Thailand Elite Card merchandise, marketing materials, and signage have been found.
“When the door was cut open we were prepared for just about anything,” said Capt. Kanchern Mottihaparn, the leader of the dive team. “But nothing prepared us for what we saw – a wall of golden cards, cascading upon our heads and reflecting the sun from above. It was breathtaking.” Later, a navy dredging ship managed to extract the full contents and lift them aboard. Along with 20 million cards were about 5 million vouchers for King Power, 2 million complimentary passes for golf at Alpine, and 30 million brochures welcoming new members with a special message from Thaksin Shinawatra himself.
The long-forgotten Thailand Elite Card program was the brainchild of the Thaksin administration, designed to lure high-class tourists to the kingdom through membership in an exclusive club. In exchange for a USD1 million sign-up fee, the card promised fast-track immigration privileges, long-term property leases and discounts at luxury spas, golf courses and hotels. Original hopes were that it would attract one million cardholders by 2008, but to date has drawn just 2,570.
As a result, the state-owned Thailand Privilege Card, which issues the cards and operates the system, posted accumulated losses of 1.14 billion baht as of 2006. Operating results for 2007 and last year have yet to be reported, amid speculation that the losses are even higher despite the continued payment of high salaries to senior executives managing the program.
Ever since rumors had surfaced that the containers contained bodies of protesters killed during the crackdowns on 1992’s Black May protests, a media spotlight had fueled wide speculation about the containers and their content. Suggestions had also included illegally dumped industrial waste. However, the discovery of the Thailand Elite Cards has taken everybody by surprise, since no one has spoken of it in years.
According to Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd “The discovery of the unsold cards and abandoned marketing collaterals suggests foul play. Someone is trying to hide the corpse of a long-dead tourism project.”
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has promised a full investigation into any possible criminal activity. However, Central Institute of Forensic Science director Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan has complained that her investigation has already been stalled.
“I asked the Prime Minister’s office for a list of people who were on the Thailand Elite Card payroll from 2004-2006.” She said. “And I was told not to ask.”
