Thai tiler begins Field evidence

A Thai tiler who worked for ex-Mangere MP Taito Phillip Field has told a court he owed debts in Thailand so lived illegally in New Zealand when his work permit expired.

Sunan Siriwan, a key witness in the prosecution case against Field, began giving evidence at the High Court at Auckland late yesterday afternoon.

Field is defending 12 corruption and bribery charges and a further 23 allegations he perverted or obstructed the course of justice.

The charges were laid against Field when he was Mangere MP for Labour and are the first time charges of this nature have been brought against a sitting MP.

He allegedly received benefits from Thai immigrants in exchange for help on immigration matters between 2002 and 2005.

Mr Sunan told prosecutor David Johnstone that he stayed in New Zealand illegally after his three-month visa expired in 1997.

He said his mother and father lived in Thailand, but he didn't want to return because he had debts there.

Through an interpreter he said he tried to get a permit, but someone "deceived" him and took $1200.

He worked in Auckland as a tiler and lived in Glen Eden.

Asked whether he considered applying for refugee status, Mr Sunan said that he hadn't.

The trial, which began in April and isn't expected to finish until next month, continues tomorrow.