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Criminal Cases October 2023
  Arrest warrant for former Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 5th, 2023:
According to news reports, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Region 2 has issued an arrest warrant for former Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has accused him of granting an improper construction permit to Bali Hai for the construction of a high-rise condominium complex called Waterfront Suites & Residences back in 2008 when he was serving as the mayor of Pattaya.
Itthiphol was summoned by the prosecutor to acknowledge his charges on September 4, but he failed to appear. Consequently, the NACC requested an arrest warrant from the court, which was granted on September 5.
If found guilty of violating Section 157 of the Criminal Code, he could face imprisonment ranging from 1 to 10 years, and the statute of limitations for this case is 15 years, meaning it will expire on September 10.
Itthiphol Khunpluem reportedly left the country on August 30th, 2023, on Cambodia Airways flight KR0702 and was headed to Phnom Penh. He left the country on the same day that the Attorney General ordered his prosecution. Like father, like son.
Update:
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 6th, 2023:
Former Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem could escape arrest if his case expires before apprehension, according to Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, the Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which filed the case against Itthiphol.
An arrest warrant was issued for him on September 5 for failing to appear in court to acknowledge his charges. The NACC accuses him of improperly granting a construction permit to Bali Hai for the Waterfront Suites & Residences complex in 2008 when he was Pattaya's mayor.
Niwatchai told Isranews that if Itthiphol isn't arrested by the case's September 10 expiration, authorities can't take further action, even with an existing arrest warrant.
If found guilty of violating Section 157 of the Criminal Code, Itthiphol could face 1 to 10 years in prison. The case has a 15-year statute of limitations. The NACC filed the case on August 3, but Itthiphol didn't appear when summoned by the Office of the Attorney General.
Isranews reported he left the country on August 30, flying to Phnom Penh.
Itthiphol Khunpluem left the country on the same day that the Attorney General ordered his prosecution.
Update:
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 7th, 2023:
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has requested the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to seek a new arrest warrant for Former Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem.
Before issuing the initial warrant, the OAG had recommended that the NACC petition the court for an arrest warrant with a provision stipulating that the statute of limitations on the case would be suspended if the suspect fled. However, the initial warrant does not include the provision.
Consequently, the OAG has now asked the NACC to approach the court for a new warrant that includes the aforementioned provision. This is urgent because the statute of limitations on the case is set to expire on September 10. Itthiphol failed to appear for his court date on September 4, and the latest reports indicate that he left the country on August 30.
It took the NACC nearly 15 years to accuse Itthiphol of improperly granting a construction permit to Bali Hai for the Waterfront Suites & Residences complex in 2008 during his tenure as Pattaya's mayor. The NACC only forwarded the case to the OAG on August 3.
For many, it seems that Itthiphol Khunpluem as culture minister under dictator Prayut Chan-o-cha and as a member of his party was untouchable and may still enjoy some protection today.
Update:
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 7th, 2023:
A new arrest warrant, with a provision stipulating that the statute of limitations on the case would be suspended if the suspect fled, has been issued for Former Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem, who left the country on August 30 and did not appear for his court date on September 4.
Before issuing the initial warrant, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) had recommended that the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) petition the court for an arrest warrant with a provision stipulating that the statute of limitations on the case would be suspended if the suspect fled. However, the initial warrant does not include this provision, which led to the issuance of the new arrest warrant.
It took the NACC 14 years and 10 months to accuse Itthiphol of improperly granting a construction permit to Bali Hai for the Waterfront Suites & Residences complex in 2008 during his tenure as Pattaya's mayor. The NACC has yet to provide an explanation for the lengthy delay.
The NACC only forwarded the case to the OAG on August 3 of this year. The statute of limitations on the case is set to expire on September 10.
Update:
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 12th, 2023:
Senator Tawin Pleansri warned the new government that if they continue to allow blatant inequality in the so-called incarceration of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, it could lead to more conflict in the future.
"Do not keep trampling on the feelings of the entire country until they can no longer accept it because it could lead to a major problem," he said.
He said the government's promise to uphold the rule of law would mean nothing if they still permit wealthy and influential individuals to undermine the justice system, such as the delays in the prosecution against former culture minister Itthiphol Khunpluem, the special privileges granted to inmate Thaksin, and the Red Bull heir case.
He urged the government not to use the excuse that they are only following regulations because people can see through such claims.
Update:
The Pattaya News reports on September 15th, 2023. that Staff Member of Former Pattaya Mayor Surrenders Himself for Alleged Involvement in Waterfront Condo Controversy.
September 17th, 2023: Smoke and Mirrors clarifies on their Twitter account: As is becoming the norm in liberal reporting on issues related to the incoming administration of PT, only one Kunpluem politician is mentioned.
Probably because he is the only one of the clan associated with Prayut.
The rest of Kamnan Poh's political progeny are Pheu Thai now.
September 22nd, 2023: Bangkok Post: Former culture minister and Pattaya mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, facing an arrest warrant for malfeasance in connection with the approval of a controversial condominium development in Pattaya in 2008, has reportedly contacted authorities to surrender.
For additional information:
Wikipedia: Itthiphol Khunpluem
Thai PBS World: Arrest warrant issued for former culture minister
The Nation: Arrest warrant issued for former Pattaya mayor Ittipol Khunpluem
The Pattaya News: Former Pattaya Mayor Faces Arrest Warrant Regarding Waterfront Condo as Case Nears Expiration in Four Days
PS The Pattaya News report also provides some background information on the controversial Waterfront project
The Pattaya News: UPDATE: Wanted Former Pattaya Mayor Reportedly Flees Thailand to Evade Arrest in Waterfront Condo Case
Bangkok Post: Arrest warrant for missing former culture minister and Pattaya mayor
The Nation: Prosecutors race against time to keep Ittipol's corruption case alive
Bangkok Post: New arrest warrant suggested for ex-minister
Pattaya News Flash: The Legacy of Itthiphol Kunplome
Pattaya News Flash: The Godfather of Chonburi
Update: (October 9th, 2023)
Thai Enquirer reports on its Twitter account on October 9th, 2023:
Former Culture Minister Ittipol Khunpluem has been arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Ittipol fled to Cambodia on September 5th after the Office of the Attorney General filed charges against him and nine others for their involvement in issuing an illegal construction permit to Bali Hai. This permit was for the construction of a luxury condominium at the base of Phra Tamnak Mountain in Pattaya during his tenure as the city's mayor in 2008.
Ittipol is now being transferred to the Office of the Attorney General, Division 2, in Rayong.
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Region 2 has granted bail to Ittipol with a surety of 120,000 baht, even though he fled the country in an attempt to escape prosecution last month.
Ittipol has denied all wrongdoings, and his next court date is scheduled for October 31st.
Thai PBS World Former culture minister Itthiphol Kunplome freed on bail after indictment on corruption charges Former Culture Minister Itthiphol Kunplome was indicted on corruption charges this afternoon (Monday) in the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, after his return from Cambodia this morning.
The Nation Ex-culture minister back from Cambodia to face charges over Pattaya condo Former culture minister Itthipol Khunpluem returned to Thailand on Monday to face charges stemming from an illegal Pattaya condominium project back in 2008.
Bangkok Post Former Pattaya mayor arrested, released on bail Itthiphol Kunplome, until recently the minister for culture, was arrested on his arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport from Phnom Penh on Monday morning for alleged graft in a controversial condominium project he approved 15 years ago when Pattaya mayor.
Wouldn't it be interesting to know what negotiations Ittipol Khunpluem and/or his family conducted between September 22th (the date Ittipol offered to surrender to the authorities) and October 9th (the date of his return)?
This is a developing story: We'll give updates on the situation as we learn more.
Influential kamnan apparently involved in fatal shooting
Bangkok Post Police officer killed in 'promotion talks' An influential kamnan in Nakhon Pathom has surrendered to police after a gunman killed a highway police officer and injured another following an argument over a promotion at the kamnan's home late Wednesday night.
The Nation Murder suspect killed in shoot out The suspect in a shooting at a party in Nakhon Pathom province on September 6 that killed one highway police officer and injured another was shot dead by police in the early hours of Friday (September 8) in Kanchanaburi province.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 8th, 2023:
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed all governors under the ministry's jurisdiction to create a "blacklist" containing the names of mafia figures in their province. The purpose is to ensure that none of these figures can hold positions in local administration.
This instruction followed an incident involving a subdistrict headman, Praween Chankhlai, who was involved in the fatal shooting of Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua, the chief of Highway Police Station 1 under Highway Police Sub-division 2. This event occurred following an argument over a promotion at the subdistrict headman's home.
The shooter, Thananchai Manmak, who worked for Praween, shot Pol Maj Sivakorn after the officer refused to switch Praween's policeman nephew from a patrol car assignment to a motorcycle patrol squad. Praween turned himself in to the police yesterday, while Thananchai was shot and killed by the police during a shoot-out this morning.
Anutin emphasized that mafia figures should not hold positions of power, as senior state officials must set good examples for the public to follow. However, it is worth noting that one of his deputy ministers, Chada Thaiseth, is widely known as a mafia figure in Uthai Thani, referred to as "the Godfather of the Sakae Krang River," before entering politics.
Deputy Interior Minister Chada has been assigned the responsibility of compiling a list of influential and mafia figures in each province across the country.
It is significant that the otherwise successful 57-year-old businessman, "inventor" of Thailand's de facto legalization of marijuana, and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party uses his private planes to help medical teams transport organs around the country and, on the other hand, has a deputy minister at his side who is known as a mafioso in Uthai Thani and assign this man to compile a list of mafia bosses.
Khaosod Thai Policeman and Gunman Shot Dead: Local Influence Is Apparent The most significant criminal case this week in Thailand involves the shooting of a police officer during a dinner party in front of 25 other officers before the gunman fled and was later killed extrajudicially. The local authority suspected of involvement is closely watched by the public to see if he escapes prosecution.
Even Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin questioned the "extrajudicial killing" of a suspected police killer by the police, as the party in question was almost exclusively attended by police officers who apparently tried to remove the bloodstains and even the CCTV camera(s) footage afterwards.
Prachatai
Interior Minister orders governors to compile lists of 'influential individuals' Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul orders governors to compile lists of 'influential individuals' in response to a highway police officer's Murder
Bangkok Post Blacklist all 'mafia-like' kamnans, says Anutin Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday he has assigned his deputy, Chada Thaiset, and all provincial governors to gather information on and blacklist local leaders found to be involved in mafia-style gangs.
Thai PBS World Police officers at Kamnan Nok's house moved to "inactive posts" during murder investigation A group of 25 police officers, who attended a dinner at the house of Praween Chanklai, aka "Kamnan Nok", on Wednesday night when a highway police officer was shot dead and another injured by a gunman at the same venue, have been transferred to inactive posts at the operations centre of the Royal Thai Police.
MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat said Saturday (September 9th, 2023) people who have problems with local influential figures & mafias may lodge a complaint with his party. The move came after Interior Minister Anutin Charnveerakul ordered a crackdown following the killing of a police officer. Apparently even the MFP boss does not believe that a mafia figure known among the population of Uthai Thani as the "Godfather of the Sakae Krang River" will create a meaningful blacklist of "all mafia-like" Kamnans.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 9th, 2023:
Arrest warrants are being issued against four police officers after the investigation into the fatal shooting of Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua at the subdistrict headman Praween Chankhlai's house revealed that the gun used to shoot the officer was a police-issued weapon.
The ongoing investigation also includes negligence charges against 25 officers who attended Praween's monthly house party. Praween denies ordering his staff, Thananchai Manmak, to shoot Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua. Thananchai was killed by police during his arrest.
In the negligence case, the 25 officers are investigated for failing to prevent the shooter's escape and failing to prevent Praween's staff from concealing the murder weapon, erasing CCTV footage, and cleaning up blood stains. The police have not commented on claims that officers helped destroy CCTV footage and aid the shooter's escape, citing the ongoing investigation into them.
Anti-Corruption Division Commander Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew commented that the officers may have been in shock and focused on attending to injured officers, leading to their failure to stop the shooter from fleeing and the destruction of evidence.
He mentioned that the officers had a right to be at the party, but their presence needs examination. So far, Jaroonkiat said there is no evidence to suggest that Praween has been bringing these officers, even though some were highway police officers who frequently visited Praween's house for parties. Praween's construction companies also generated billions of baht in revenue over the past five years, despite his young age of 35.
Thai PBS World Arrest warrants issued for six police in connection with police shooting probe The Nakhon Pathom Provincial Court has issued warrants for the arrests of six police officers in connection with the killing of a highway police officer at the house of Praween Chanklai, aka "Kamnan Nok" in Mueang district of Nakhon Pathom on Wednesday night.
Bangkok Post Corrections Dept official sacked following Nakhon Pathom shooting The Corrections Department has dismissed from government service an official who is alleged to have been involved in the shooting that killed a highway police officer and injuring another at the house of an influential kamnan (tambon chief) in Nakhon Pathom on Wednesday night.
Bangkok Post 'Clear evidence' kamnan ordered deadly shooting of highway officer: police Police say they have clear evidence that shows Praween Chankhlai, 35, a former kamnan or subdistrict head of tambon Thakong in Nakhon Pathom's Muang district, ordered the shooting of a senior senior highway police officer at a dinner party at his house on Wednesday night.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 10th, 2023:
Two construction companies owned by subdistrict headman Praween "Kamnan Nok" Chankhlai, currently charged with orchestrating the murder of Pol Maj Sivakorn "Inspector Bank" Saibua, received 1,311 state contracts worth over 6 billion baht in the past decade.
P. Raweekanok Construction secured 523 projects valued at 1.3 billion baht from 2014 to 2023. P. Phatanarungrod Construction received 788 projects worth 4.8 billion baht, primarily in Nakhon Pathom, followed by Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi.
As of now, the police have pressed charges against six out of 25 officers who were present at the party where Pol Maj Sivakorn was killed. They are accused of aiding the shooter, Thananchai Manmak, who is Praween's right-hand man, in escaping, and assisting Praween's staff in destroying evidence, including the murder weapon, CCTV records, and blood spatters. Among the six arrested officers, the highest-ranking is Pol Major Gen Kiattisak Somsuk, an inspector from Samut Sakhon.
However, Thananchai was killed during a police shootout, and the murder weapon, a police-issued firearm, was recovered. The CCTV server was retrieved, with data recovery efforts ongoing.
Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn says there is enough evidence showing Praween ordered the shooting. He also said one of the six apprehended officers had briefly detained the shooter but then released him, and some of them escorted Praween out of the area. Furthermore, it was revealed that an officer had purchased the murder weapon and provided it to Praween prior to the shooting.
Pol Gen Surachate also said that the police still maintain the belief that the primary motive for the shooting was Pol Maj Sivakorn's refusal to fulfill Praween's request to transfer his nephew from a car patrol unit to a motorbike patrol unit, which involves lighter duties.
Regarding speculation that the motive may be connected to the truck sticker scandal, as Pol Maj Sivakorn had been cracking down on overweight trucks, and Praween owns hundreds of construction trucks, Pol Gen Surachate said the police are already investigating this possibility.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 11th, 2023:
Police Major General Chakkrit Khruesunthornwanich, the Provincial Police Commander of Nakhon Pathom, and Police Colonel Phuphon Thapcharoen, the Superintendent of Nakhon Pathom Provincial Police Station, have been transferred to inactive duty pending an investigation into the murder of Pol Maj Sivakorn "Inspector Bank" Saibua.
Pol Maj Gen Chakkrit and Pol Col Phuphon were at the birthday party of subdistrict headman Praween "Kamnan Nok" Chankhlai where the shooting took place.
The six officers who were charged with assisting the now-deceased shooter in escaping the crime scene and helping Praween's staff destroy evidence have been fired from the police force, and they have been denied bail.
The six officers include:
- Pol Maj Kiatisak Somsuk, 52, investigative inspector of Krathum Baen district in Samut Sakhon province
- Pol Lt Narongsak Taeng-ampai, 58, a highway police officer - Pol Lt Nimit Salidkul, 57, deputy inspector for traffic affairs in Mueang district of Nakhon Pathom - Pol Cpt Natthaphol Narkkorn, 59, a highway police officer - Pol Lt Prasarn Rodphol, 58, a highway police officer - Pol Sub-Lt Sansert Srisawat, 55, a highway police officer Five members of Praween's staff have also been charged with the destruction of evidence after the police managed to recover the recording from the CCTV servers that had been dumped into canals following the shooting. Praween continued to deny that he had ordered his right-hand man, Thananchai Manmak, to shoot Pol Maj Sivakorn. Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn stated over the weekend that he is convinced there is enough evidence to show that Praween ordered the shooting, especially now that the CCTV footage has been recovered. Bangkok Post Officer suspect in Kamnan Nok shooting case kills self One of the 25 police officers, who were at the house of Praween Chanklai, aka "Kamnan Nok" in Nakhon Pathom province last Wednesday night and who are under investigation following the murder of a fellow officer there, committed suicide this afternoon (Monday) at his residence in Pathum Thani province.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 11th, 2023:
The commander of Pol Maj Sivakorn "Inspector Bank" Saibua's unit has reportedly shot and killed himself.
Pol Col Wachira Yaothaisong, the commander of Highway Police Sub-division 2, was found dead at his house in Pathum Thani. Pol Maj Sivakorn was the chief of Highway Police Station 1 under Highway Police Sub-division 2.
Pol Col Wachira was reportedly the person who invited Pol Maj Sivakorn to subdistrict headman Praween Chankhlai's birthday party, where he was shot and killed by Praween's right-hand man, Thananchai Manmak.
Pol Col Wachira was also one of the 25 officers who attended the party, and he is being investigated for negligence. He is accused of failing to arrest the shooter and allowing Praween's staff to destroy evidence.
TNA Sub-district Chief Can't Escape Justice: Deputy Police Chief A local administrator or Kamnan Nok, allegedly ordering a gunman to shoot a highway police officer will not escape justice as the evidence is being securely held, said Pol. Gen. Surachate Kahkparn, deputy national police chief.
Bangkok Post Deeper probe into police murder suspect's business Nearly 30 police officers were present when a highway police officer was shot dead last week during a dinner party at the house of an influential figure in Nakhon Pathom, whose business dealings are being thoroughly investigated, according to senior police.
Thai PBS World DSI probes Kamnan Nok's construction business The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has launched an investigation into the construction business of Praween Chanklai, aka "Kamnan Nok", to determine whether it was involved in price collusion when bidding for road construction projects or had attempted to intimidate other bidders.
Khaosod English reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 14th
Police on Tues raided the house of a suspect influential figure in Nakhon Prathom province following the killing of a cop by a gunman who works for another influential person. The man, a sub-district chief known as Kamnan Taeng, denies any wrongdoing & is currently in Cambodia. An attentive reader asks: How about the notorious Sasomap family in Nakhon Pathom? Will they be blacklisted or they fall under acceptable mafia families like Chada, Chidchobs, Khunplumes?
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 14th
Two out of the 20 large state projects that were awarded to two construction companies owned by subdistrict headman Praween "Kamnan Nok" Chankhlai could have been illegally awarded.
Praween has been charged with orchestrating the murder of Pol Maj Sivakorn "Inspector Bank" Saibua. The Department of Special Investigation is currently investigating 1,544 state projects worth 7.6 billion baht that were granted to Praween's construction companies, including P. Raweekanok Construction (621 projects) and P. Phatanarungrod Construction (923 projects).
Among the 20 large projects, two are suspected of involving collusion and bribery activities between state officials and the companies to avoid fair price competition. These two projects include the construction of Highway 375 in Don Tum District, Nakhon Pathom, worth 300 million baht, and another project connecting Highway 375 and Highway 346 worth 350 million baht.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is currently taking up these two cases for investigation and is calling upon related parties, including authorities, to clarify the DSI's initial findings of suspected illegal activities in the bidding process for these two projects.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 14th
CCTV footage with voice recordings from 13 out of 15 cameras, which showed the shooting of Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua, has been recovered, Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn said.
The footage from the 2 remaining cameras, which were closest to the shooting, will be recovered by tomorrow, according to Pol Gen Surachate. He personally inspected the initially recovered footage firsthand.
The recovered footage so far clearly showed that subdistrict headman Praween Chankhlai ordered the shooting, so the police are not concerned about the masterminding of the murder charge against him, Pol Gen Surachate said. The killer was also confirmed to be Praween's right-hand man, Thananchai Manmak.
Pol Gen Surachate said an additional charge of false statements will be made against most of the 17 officers who were at Praween's birthday party when the shooting happened. This is in addition to the negligence charge since the CCTV footage showed that most of them had lied in their initial statements. Furthermore, the majority of them were armed when they claimed they were not.
The two main groups of offenders, who are police officers, consist of the majority of the officers who immediately left the party and neglected to perform their duties after the shooting. Additionally, there are the 6 officers who helped Praween and the shooter escape the crime scene until the former turned himself in and the latter was killed during a shootout with the police.
Other ongoing investigations include the Truck-Sticker bribery ring that Pol Maj Sivakorn has been cracking down on and corruption in the bidding for state construction projects involving Praween's construction companies. More arrest warrants will be issued, and more assets will be seized, according to Pol Gen Surachate.
The next major update on the investigation will be provided on Tuesday.
Thai PBS World Police at Kamnan Nok's house lied to investigators : Pol Gen Surachate All the police officers who were at the house of murder suspect, Praween Chanklai, aka "Kamnan Nok", when one highway police officer was killed and another was injured, failed to tell the truth about the incident when they gave their statements to investigators.
Thai PBS World The making of Kamman Nok While Thais were being obsessed with something else, Praween Chanklai, aka Kamman Nok, made senior police officers strip almost naked "for fun" at one of his "parties", fired celebratory shots into the sky, conducted allegedly-questionable business activities, listened proudly to "Happy Birthday to you" sung respectfully by senior bureaucrats and built up a suspected bribery payroll.
Thai PBS World CIB takes over Kamnan Nok investigation The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej says he is confident that police now have sufficient evidence to charge Praween Chanklai, aka "Kamnan Nok", with committing capital offences for killing of a highway police officer and the wounding of another.
The Nation 14 policemen face charges for failing to help protect comrades in dinner party tragedy Fourteen police officers face dereliction of duty charges over the killing of a police inspector at a party in Nakhon Pathom on September 6.
Bangkok Post 14 policemen to face charges over dinner party murder Fourteen policemen will be charged with dereliction of duty over the murder of a highway police officer at the house of a former local administrator in Nakhon Pathom province early this month, according to police.
Thai Examiner Kamnan murder case sees probe into possible corruption in Ministry of Interior contract bids
The murder of Police Lieutenant Colonel Siwakorn Saibua on Wednesday 6th September has unleashed a chain reaction with the spotlight now falling on suspected corruption linked to construction projects awarded to two firms in the province of Nakhon Pathom. One prosecutor told a TV audience this week that the case could be the biggest ever seen in Thailand if the investigation gets to the heart of the matter with figures released by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Friday, showing that firms linked with Mr Praween Chankhlai or Kamnan Nok were awarded 1,544 local government projects valued at Baht 7.57 billion in the years from 2011 to 2023.
Bangkok Post Six police held in 'Kamnan Nok' case moved to Bangkok prison Six police officers dismissed from the force for helping Praween "Kamnan Nok" Chankhlai escape arrest following the fatal shooting of a policeman at his house have been moved to the Bangkok Remand Prison.
Bangkok Post 15 police who fled dinner party murder face charges Fifteen police officers who fled when a gunman shot their colleague dead at Kamnan Nok's dinner party in Nakhon Pathom will be charged this week with dereliction of duty, Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Jirabhop Bhuridej said on Tuesday.
This is a developing story: We'll give updates on the situation as we learn more.
Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn's house was searched by the police
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 25th
Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn's house was searched by the police this morning.
Pol Gen Surachate and 7 of his team members are under investigation for alleged bribery, with officers reportedly soliciting a bribe worth 140 million baht from an illegal online gambling ring.
Arrest warrants had been issued for his team members, but not for him until today's search warrant was executed.
Pol Gen Surachate is refusing to allow his house to be searched.
The latest reports indicate that arrest warrants have been issued for 30 police officers.
Negotiations between Pol Lt Gen Worawat Watnakhonbancha, commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), and Pol Gen Surachate to allow his house to be searched are ongoing.
Pol Gen Surachate allowed his house to be searched after a discussion with Pol Lt Gen Worawat.He said he is not involved in the bribery or the gambling ring and is willing to cooperate with the investigation.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 25th
At least 14 suspects, including 5 police officers and 9 civilians, were arrested in connection with online gambling rings during raids at 30 locations this morning. One of the locations was Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn's safe house.
Three high-ranking officers were arrested, including:
- Pol Maj Gen Namkiat Theerarotjanaphong, the commander of the Training Center Of the Metropolitan Police Bureau
- Pol Col Pakpoom Pisamai (a close aide to Pol Gen Surachate) - Pol Col Khemarin Pisamai Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, the head of the Help Crime Victims Assistance Club, said in an interview that he was the person who provided evidence against the gambling rings, leading to the raids and the morning arrests of the police officers. He said this case is linked to Pongsiri "Boss Than" Thanratchawongsuek, the former chairperson of Lamphun Warriors Football Club, who was arrested in June and formally charged earlier this month for allegedly operating an illegal gambling website and engaging in money laundering. Atchariya said Pongsiri has been using bank accounts belonging to Minnie, another suspect who allegedly runs an online gambling website and is close to Pol Col Pakpoom, for money laundering and drug trafficking. Atchariya also said that some of the accounts were linked to the officers arrested today. Furthermore, he said that approximately 20 more arrests will be made, including a reporter, a lawyer, and civil servants. Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 25th
Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn said the police raid on his safe houses this morning was a deliberate attempt to discredit him.
He pointed out several irregularities in the search warrant: his name was conspicuously absent, the warrant only listed the addresses of the safe houses, the judge who issued the warrant was not informed that they belonged to him, and there was no evidence connecting him to any criminal activities. These discrepancies suggest that the police officers who sought the warrant had misled the judge, as any police officer would be aware of his residence, he said.
Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn said he has been actively investigating numerous cases that could be tied to these efforts to discredit him, including the Kamnan Nok case and the 140 million baht bribery case, which implicated several high-ranking police officers.
He also said he is currently unaware of the identities of the officers responsible for requesting the search warrant, and he intends to press charges against them. He declined to comment on whether these attempts to discredit him might be linked to the upcoming selection of the new national police chief on September 27.
In the latest update on this morning's raid, six of Pol Gen Surachate's subordinates have been apprehended for their suspected involvement in an illegal online gambling ring. Arrest warrants have also been issued for two more of his subordinates.
The Nation PM orders formation of committee to probe house search of deputy National Police chief Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered the formation of a committee to investigate an incident involving a team of cybercrime police officers who conducted a search on the residence of deputy National Police chief Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn early on Monday (September 25).
Bangkok Post Big Joke says search of his house 'political' Deputy national police chief Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn has slammed the search of his home in Bangkok on Monday morning as dishonest and attributed it to political manoeuvring within the Office of the Royal Thai Police.
The Nation Surachate's close aide among police officers arrested in 'Big Cleaning Day' An operation led by the Police Cyber Taskforce on Monday morning has led to the arrest of eight police officers and three civilians, the taskforce chief said.
Khaosod Does Game of Thrones in the Thai Police Target "Big Joke"? A prominent Thai police officer, Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, commonly known as “Big Joke,” deputy national police chief, had his home surprisingly raided by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) with fully-armed commando police on September 25, 2023.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 26th
The search of Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn's residences was related to an ongoing investigation into an illegal gambling ring. The search team was unaware that Pol Gen Surachate was residing there, as explained by Pol Lt Gen Triarong Piewphan, the head of the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT).
Currently, there are 26 suspects in the case, with 8 of them being subordinates of Pol Gen Surachate. The police sought a search warrant for the residences where Pol Gen Surachate was living because they believed that 2 suspects were living there. During the search, one suspect was apprehended.
The police officers who are suspects were linked to bank accounts that were related to a female suspect known as Suchanun or Minnie, who is believed to operate online gambling websites and has a close relationship with one of Pol Gen Surachate's close aides, Pol Col Pakpoom Pisamai.
The case began with the arrest of Pongsiri "Boss Than" Thanratchawongsuek in June. It subsequently led to the arrest of Minnie and two other suspects in July, culminating in the search of Pol Gen Surachate's residences yesterday.
Boss Than has been charged with running illegal online websites and money laundering, while Minnie faces similar charges. Both are currently out on bail. Two of the arrested police officers were released on bail yesterday, and the rest are expected to be released on bail today.
Pol Lt Gen Triarong, who is in charge of the investigation, stated that he was unaware that Pol Gen Surachate was residing in these residences. He also emphasized that the search was unrelated to the selection of the new national police chief, which is scheduled for tomorrow.
Khaosod English reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 26th
PM Srettha Thavisin on Tues ordered a committee be set up to investigate an allegation that Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn is linked to online gambling business.
Bangkok Post 'Big Joke' files court complaint over search warrants Deputy national police chief Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn filed a complaint with the Criminal Court on Tuesday alleging contempt of court in the police application for a warrant that allowed them to search several houses he uses on Monday.
Bangkok Post New panel to investigate police involvement in gambling Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Tuesday he had set up a panel to investigate alleged police involvement in online gambling operations in the wake of cyber crime police raids on houses owned by deputy national police chief Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn on Monday.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 27th
Minnie, one of the main suspects in the case against Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn's subordinates, has reportedly left the country.
Minnie, also known as Suchanun, is the daughter of a member of the Loei Provincial Council and has been accused of operating illegal gambling websites. She is linked to eight police officers who are subordinates of Pol Gen Surachate.
One of these eight officers, Pol Col Pakpoom Pisamai, admitted to having a close relationship with Minnie. Approximately 3.6 million baht from Minnie's bank accounts has been transferred to mule accounts, which could implicate the remaining officers. Pol Col Pakpoom, however, denied that he has a mule account and said that Pol Gen Surachate does not know who Minnie is.
The case against Minnie originated with the arrest of another individual accused of running an illegal online gambling ring, Pongsiri "Boss Than" Thanratchawongsuek, in June. His arrest subsequently led to the apprehension of Minnie and two other suspects in July, ultimately resulting in the search of Pol Gen Surachate's residences on Monday.
There are currently 26 suspects in Minnie's case, including Pol Gen Surachate's subordinates. However, Minnie was allowed to leave the country as her bail conditions do not prohibit her from doing so. She submitted a request to depart the country on September 23, citing the need to care for her sick child, without specifying a return date.
Reportedly, she left for Singapore on September 24, and she is scheduled to report to the police on October 14.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 27th
Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn said he has been using millions of baht from his personal funds to finance police operations.
He said he spends approximately 1.5-1.7 million each month on his subordinates to support their operations. He claimed to obtain this money from his wife, who is an heir to a wealthy businessman in the south.
He said he also used his personal funds to finance high-profile cases, including the recovery of CCTV servers in the Kamnan Nok case, 800,000 baht for accommodations and food for officers investigating the Am Cyanide case, and 30 million baht to rent a crane vessel from Singapore for the recovery of the 'Phoenix' wreckage in Phuket.
He also said that the money transferred from a suspect, Minnie, to his close aide, Pol Col Pakpoom Pisamai, which led to a financial investigation and eventually the raid on his residences, was only 3 million baht. He argued that if Pakpoom were actually accepting bribes from an illegal gambling ring, it would have been a much larger sum.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 27th
Pol Gen Surachate said he will not seek revenge against police officers who attempted to discredit him by raiding his residences and trying to link him to an online gambling ring ahead of "an important meeting." Still, he said he has information that could bring down high-ranking officials.
"I will not seek revenge, but I have a lot of information, and if I expose them, all of them will face demise," he said. "The information will not be related to something as insignificant as the alleged 3 million-baht bribe, and all these online gambling operators are afraid of me because they know they cannot influence me with money."
"I am the deputy national police chief in charge of the investigative division, so I have information on all of them, and I can also do the same thing that they are doing to me, but I still love the police force," he added.
Pol Gen Surachate insisted that the arrest warrants against his subordinates and the search warrant against his residences were improper.
He explained that the officers who requested the arrest warrants went to the Bangkok South Criminal Court instead of the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. The latter court, according to him, would not have issued an arrest warrant against high-ranking officers; instead, they would have recommended a summoning order as a first step. He added that the officers who requested the arrest warrants were aware of this.
Regarding the search warrant against his residences, he pointed out that it was issued by the Ratchada Criminal Court instead of the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, emphasizing that the court was not informed that the targeted properties were his residences.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 27th
The 3.6 million baht, which was transferred from a suspected illegal online gambling operator named Minnie, has been traced to police officers and family members of Pol Gen Surachate.
The money was transferred to two mule accounts, and one of Pol Gen Surachate's close aides, Pol Col Pakpoom Pisamai, who admitted to having a close relationship with Minnie, has also been transferring money to the mule accounts. Pol Lt Gen Krit Pariyaket, another one of Pol Gen Surachate's subordinates, has also been transferring money to the mule accounts.
Some of the money from the mule accounts then went to seven other officers, while some was used to pay for Pol Gen Surachate's mother's hospital fees. Additionally, a portion of the money went to his brother, and some was used to pay for his phone bills.
Pol Gen Surachate insisted that some of the money transferred by his subordinates was his, which he had given to them. He pointed out that the total sum sent by Minnie was only 3.6 million baht, which is less than the total sum of money sent to the officers and his family members, amounting to around 7.5 million baht.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 27th
Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn has admitted to regularly paying 3-4 reporters who have been covering his investigations.
His comments were prompted by reports that illegal online gambling funds, which were traced back to Pol Gen Surachate's subordinates, have also been connected to reporters.
Pol Gen Surachate said he paid them approximately 10,000 baht for food and accommodation each time they reported on cases under his jurisdiction.
He clarified that he did not request any specific actions from them, and they did not approach him for money. Furthermore, they informed him that their publications had already covered these expenses. However, he acknowledged that reporters often receive modest wages, and he was simply being generous.
Bangkok Post 'Big Joke' says he paid reporters High-profile policeman defends acts of generosity, helped by family fortune that has nothing to do with crime.
The Nation reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 27th
"I won’t seek revenge, but I have a lot of details that, if revealed, can put the entire Royal Thai Police Bureau under fire," said Pol General Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn following raids on his houses.
Bangkok Post I don't want revenge, insists 'Big Joke' Deputy national police chief, Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn, says he does not want revenge on several senior officers for their actions against him, despite his holding secret information that he says could spell their doom.
Thai PBS World Anyone defaming deputy national police chief will be sued – lawyer The lawyer representing Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, has threatened to sue any individual or media outlet which states or implies that his client has any involvement in the illegal online gambling business.
The Nation 'News fees' unacceptable and clear breach of professional ethics Thailand’s seven key media organisations have announced they are forming a committee to investigate the incident in which Thai journalists allegedly accepted money from the deputy national police chief in exchange for reporting news, saying that the action is a serious breach of professional ethics.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 28th
The Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT) has announced their intention to summon seven reporters who were connected to two mule accounts in the Minnie-Big Joke case.
PCT Chief Pol Lt Gen Triarong Piewphan said transactions were made from these accounts to the seven reporters. The transactions ranged from thousands of baht to tens of thousands of baht, and some of the reporters receive these funds on a monthly basis. One of the reporters received 30,000 baht per month for over 10 months.
Among the current 26 suspects in the case, eight are police officers who are subordinates of Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn. Out of these 26, six suspects are still at large, while the implicated officers have been released on bail and are scheduled to provide further statements later.
The primary suspect in the case, Suchanun, or Minnie, who has a close relationship with one of Big Joke's close aides, Pol Col Pakpoom Pisamai, left the country one night before the raid on Big Joke's residences on Monday.
Regarding Big Joke's filing of a lawsuit against alleged improper requests for the arrest warrants of his subordinates and the search warrant for his residences, Pol Lt Gen Triarong said he is not concerned, as the requests for the warrants and the subsequent raid were conducted in accordance with regulations.
He explained that the reason the arrest warrants did not indicate that the suspects were police officers and did not mention their ranks was because the allegations against them were unrelated to their duties as police officers. The PCT's officers who requested the warrants had presented the facts of the case to the judge before the warrants were issued.
Pol Lt Gen Triarong also asserted that the search warrant was issued based on evidence that two of the suspects in the case had been residing at the specified locations, and one of them was arrested during the raid. Therefore, he dismissed Big Joke's claims that the warrant was improper because it did not specify that they were for his residences.
Bangkok Post Open 'Minnie' probe sought Police are calling for a transparent investigation into the role of Suchanun Sucharitchinsri, also known as Minnie, who is suspected of running online gambling websites involving senior police officers, including a close aide of deputy police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn.
Bangkok Post New police chief explains photo with 'Big Joke' Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, who has been named the new national police chief, said he has asked deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn to clear the air after the latter's house was searched by officers early this week.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 29th
New National Police Chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, said he is not in dispute with Deputy National Police, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn.
His comments came in response to speculations that Pol Gen Torsak is targeting Pol Gen Surachate and his subordinates in an illegal online gambling ring case. This speculation arose because Pol Gen Surachate had been pursuing police officers in the Kamnan Nok case, in which two officers who lost their lives had previously worked under Pol Gen Torsak.
Pol Gen Surachate was in charge of the Kamnan Nok case before it was transferred to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), where Pol Gen Torsak had formerly served as chief. The Kamnan Nok case now implicates 29 police officers and a police bribery ring related to overweight trucks, whereas the illegal online gambling ring case involves eight police officers who all work under Pol Gen Surachate.
Meanwhile, Pol Gen Surachate's lawyer, Ananchai Chaidej, said the case against Pol Gen Surachate's subordinates is likely to continue into next year. He also hinted at a significant revelation involving more police officers next week
Regarding one of the 26 suspects in the illegal online gambling ring case, known as Minnie, who claimed that the money trail from her to one of Pol Gen Surachate's subordinates, Pol Col Pakpoom Pisamai, consisted of money she had loaned to him and originated from legitimate businesses, Lawyer Atchariya Reuangrattanapong, chairman of the Help Crime Victims organization, which presented evidence against Minnie and the officers, said she is not telling the truth.
He questioned why a police colonel would borrow 3.6 million baht from a 26-year-old suspect with whom he had a close relationship. Additionally, he pointed out that there are more than 100 mule accounts linked to Minnie, which could potentially be traced back to illegal activities.He questioned why a police colonel would borrow 3.6 million baht from a 26-year-old suspect with whom he had a close relationship. Additionally, he pointed out that there are more than 100 mule accounts linked to Minnie, which could potentially be traced back to illegal activities.
This is a developing story: We'll give updates on the situation as we learn more.
Bangkok Post Dept speeds up 'mafia' link probe The Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) is ramping up efforts to identify "influential figures" whom authorities suspect are tied to various criminal activities across the country, according to Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset.
Thai PBS World Pol Gen Torsak to become Thailand’s next top cop The Police Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has selected Deputy National Police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol as the new head of the nation’s police force, replacing Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat, who is set to retire at the end of this month.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on September 28th
The Move Forward Party (MFP) has presented evidence of alleged loan fraud against the Lamphun Police Savings Cooperative.
The party has accused officials at the cooperative of forging loan documents to embezzle 220 million baht from 423 police officers.
For example, an officer who applied for a 400,000 baht loan from the cooperative believed that he had nearly completed his payments, but then discovered that he still owed 700,000 baht. This discovery led to the revelation of forged documents that altered the loan amount from 400,000 baht to 900,000 baht instead.
MFP list MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn has called on the new national police chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, to investigate the case. He believes that such loan fraud may also be occurring at other police savings cooperatives in different provinces.
Bangkok Post 423 officers fall victim to police co-op scam More than 400 members of a police savings and credit co-operative in Lamphun are said to have fallen victim to fraud committed by its staff, causing losses of at least 220 million baht.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on October 2nd
Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn's lawyer, Ananchai Chaidej, said someone warned him to cease representing Pol Gen Surachate and his subordinates, but he declined to do so.
Ananchai also said Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn was advised to discontinue pursuing cases against the officers who had requested the search warrant for Pol Gen Surachate's residences and the arrest warrants against eight of Pol Gen Surachate's subordinates. Nevertheless, they intend to proceed with the legal actions.
Furthermore, Ananchai said he is still in the process of preparing to unveil a significant revelation he referred to as a "big surprise" concerning the police force on October 5 but declined to provide any specific details.
Pol Gen Surachate, who returned to work after a three-day personal leave, declined to engage with the press regarding his case and asserted that he was unaware of the purported significant revelation.
The Nation reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on October 2nd
National Police chief Pol General Torsak Sukwimol, speaking to the media, dismissing rumours of internal squabbles amongst Royal Thai police.
The public has been concerned about dissension within the police ranks, following the raids on houses owned by deputy National Police chief Pol General Surachate Hakparn.
The Nation No infighting, 'people are just imagining things', says new police chief Newly appointed Royal Thai Police chief Pol General Torsak Sukwimol on Monday dismissed rumours of infighting in the bureau, saying under his supervision, RTP will be a "home" for all police officers.
The Nation All decisions will be based on investigation report, says Army chief on disappeared fuel Army chief General Charoenchai Hinthao said the results of the investigation into the mysterious disappearance of 200,000 litres of fuel should be known by Friday.
Bangkok Post Lawyer reaffirms defence of Big Joke's arrested team The lawyer representing eight subordinates of Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn charged with involvement in the operations of gambling websites said on Monday the deputy police chief had consulted him on whether they should continue the fight.
Bangkok Post List of 'influential figures' completed A list of "influential figures", people wielding dark influence across the country, has been completed and will be tabled at a meeting of the committee handling the matter on Tuesday, Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset said.
The Nation 'Big Joke' put in charge of security affairs, as new police chief assigns jobs The new Royal Thai Police (RTP) chief Pol General Torsak Sukvimol met his deputies privately on Tuesday to hand out responsibilities, RTP spokesman Pol Lt-General Archayon Kraithong said.
Bangkok Post Govt claims 700 'mafia' crimelords identified Around 700 people have been listed as "mafia"-affiliated figures in the government's ongoing suppression of illegal activities linked with these influential people nationwide.
The Nation
Immigration police accuse senior officer of filing false charges against them A group of 48 police officers from the Immigration Bureau on Friday filed a complaint with the new National Police chief, Pol General Torsak Sukwimol, claiming that a senior officer of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) had falsely accused them of malfeasance and taking bribes.
The Nation All data submitted on 'influential figures' will be verified, warns Chada Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiseth has warned people against submitting incorrect information on influential figures in their areas.
Bangkok Post PM faces graft complaint for police chief decision Former police chief Sereepisuth Temeeyaves on Thursday filed a petition with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), accusing Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Police Commission of unlawfully appointing Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol as the new chief.
The Nation Poll finds most Thais lack confidence in the performance of police officers A recent opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) learned that most Thais lack confidence in the police force's integrity and performance.
Bangkok Post Police will still ticket motorists despite ruling Motorists will continue to be ticketed despite the Central Administrative Court (CAC) deciding police have issued traffic tickets unlawfully since July 2020.
What good are courts and the judiciary if the police ignore their judgements?
The Nation Former Thai envoy to Denmark murdered by foreign national: police Former Thai ambassador to Denmark was murdered by a foreigner, Metropolitan Police Division 2 commander Pol Maj General Atthaphon Anusit said on Sunday.
Khaosod Suspect Who Killed Former Ambassador Flees Thailand Police at Sutthisan Police Station, Bangkok, are searching for a Burmese man suspected of murdering a 67-year-old former Thai ambassador to Copenhagen. The deceased was discovered in the bathroom of his residence in Soi Vibhavadi 20, Chatuchak District, Bangkok, wrapped in a cardboard box. Sai Myat Moe, a 19-year-old Myanmar national, is the sole suspect in this case. He unexpectedly resigned from his previous employer and said he got a new job as a butler for a new boss who is well-off.
A special Law for junta-appointed Senators
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on October 9th
The junta-appointed Senate voted 174-7 against the police's request to summon Senator Upakit Pachariyangkun to acknowledge charges of drug trafficking and money laundering.
The police had to make the request because Section 125 of the charter prohibits the arrest or detention of a member of parliament unless they were caught in the act or there is consent from the House of Representatives or the Senate.
The police linked Upakit to Tun Min Latt, a Myanmar businessman who was arrested in Bangkok for drug trafficking and money laundering in September 2022. Tun Min Latt is also believed to be an arms dealer for the Myanmar junta.
During the Senate meeting, Upakit stated that his accusers had fabricated false evidence against him for political gain and denied all wrongdoing. He also said he does not want to interfere with the justice system. However, the majority of the Senators argued that Section 125 must be upheld, leading to the decision against the police's summons.
Section 125 says that during a session, members of the House of Representatives or Senators can't be arrested for a crime unless their house approves or they're caught in the act.
If they're caught in the act, a report goes to their house's President, who can let them go to attend a meeting.
If they're detained before a session starts, they must be released when the session begins if the house's President asks for it.
The court can release them on bail or bond. If they're charged with a crime, the court can try them during the session, but it can't stop them from attending meetings.
Pratchatai Senate opposes police request to question Senator Upakit Senators have voted against a police summons being served on Senator Upakit Pachariyangkun over drug trafficking allegations following a debate where he defended himself.
New criminal reports October 2023
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on October 9th
Army's Ordnance Chief, Lt. General Sutha Adulthananusak, and four other soldiers have been transferred to inactive duty pending an investigation into the disappearance of 215,897 liters of high-speed diesel from the Ordnance Material Rebuild Centre under the 18th Military Circle in Saraburi. This incident occurred between August and September of last year.
The Army conducted a one-year probe, which revealed irregularities in the disbursement of the fuel. However, it did not specify what those irregularities were.
The investigation commenced last year when a soldier was involved in a car accident in Phatthalung. Following the accident, the soldier filed a complaint with the police to claim compensation from an insurance firm. The soldier initially claimed that the truck was carrying coconut coir, but a subsequent investigation revealed that he had hired a tow truck to transport the pick-up truck, which was supposed to be carrying coconut coir, to a petrol station in Nakhon Si Thammarat instead.
Khaosod Chief Abbot for Sexual Misconduct with 7 Laotian Novices While many temples serve as sanctuaries and places of learning for underprivileged children, some have unfortunately become sites of sexual abuse of young boys.
Thai PBS World Torsak Sukvimol: The controversial rise of Thailand’s new police chief Thailand’s new police chief, Pol General Torsak Sukvimol, is a non-cadet who joined the force at the age of 33, but then quickly rose through the ranks.
Bangkok Post 1,593 arrests made in gun crackdown Police have seized more than 2,000 illegal guns and 75,000 bullets and arrested 1,593 suspects in a three-day nationwide crackdown following a deadly shooting at a Bangkok shopping mall.
The Nation Crackdown on cold storage facilities announced following shooting Agriculture and Cooperatives minister Captain Thammanat Prompao, has expressed deep concern regarding a tragic incident that cost a veterinary officer his life while inspecting a cold storage facility in Phetchabun province suspected of being involved in the distribution of illegal meat.
The Nation 'Influential local figures likely involved in illegal meat imports' The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives suspects that the illegal import of meat into Thailand were national-level operations with connections to local influential figures, deputy minister Chaiya Promma said on Thursday.
Khaosod A 100,000-baht Reward Is Being Set To Find An Escaped Prisoner A bounty was issued by the Department of Corrections on October 22 in an attempt to catch Chaowalit Thongduang, a 37-year-old prisoner suspected of robbery, breaking the guns law, and committing an offence against freedom. The total prison sentence was 21 years, 3 months, and 25 days. The sentence has a parole date of May 6, 2043. The Nation Bounty set for escaped Nakhon Si Thammarat convict Loading...
A man convicted and jailed of multiple serious crimes managed to escape from his Nakhon Si Thammarat hospital bed early Sunday, police and the Corrections Department said.
Thai PBS World Police told to be cautious as escaped convict is believed to be armed Police assigned to track down and re-arrest a convict, who escaped from hospital in Nakhon Si Thammarat province last weekend, have been warned to exercise caution as the escapee is armed and dangerous.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on October 24th
Nakhon Si Thammarat Central Prison's warden and four correctional officers were transferred to inactive posts pending an investigation into their possible involvement in the escape of Chavalit "Sei Pang Na Nhord" Thongduang.
The suspect in multiple murder cases that are pending, who was incarcerated in January 2022 for attempting to help a drug suspect escape police custody, fled custody from Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital on the night of October 22 and has yet to be found. He was also a former candidate for a member of the Phatthalung Provincial Administrative Organization in 2019.
Chavalit managed to escape custody with a key to his chain while being treated at the hospital. Before his associates could secure the key for his chains, the correctional officers in charge of detention allowed him to change the chain. He also managed to change his clothes and simply walked out of the hospital without anyone stopping him.
In addition to the correctional officers, hospital staff are also being investigated. The fugitive was moved to the hospital for his dental appointment before the appointment was canceled. Then he feigned passing out, allowing him to stay at the hospital on October 20 and 21 before he made his escape on the night of October 22.
Investigators are checking why the inmate was transferred to the hospital before the appointment time and whether the doctor who canceled the appointment was truly sick as he claimed
Chavalit is now believed to be in Satun after his failed attempt to cross the border into Myanmar. The police now suspect he is trying to cross the border into Malaysia instead.
Bangkok Post Minister's son-in-law arrested for extortion A son-in-law of Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised was arrested in Uthai Thani province on Tuesday morning allegedly for extorting money from a tap water contractor.
Bangkok Post Politician’s son-in-law gets bail in corruption case Weerachart Rasamee, the mayor of Talukdoo municipality in Uthai Thani province, along with four others were granted bail on Tuesday following their arrest earlier that day for allegedly demanding 1 million baht from a local building contractor.
Bangkok Post Court dismisses drug case against 'Benz Racing' The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled to dismiss a case against Akarakit Worarojcharoendet, also known as "Benz Racing", who had been accused of drug trafficking in 2017. The former motor racer was released from prison on Tuesday evening.
The power of money ....
Bangkok Post Crime buster has no time for critics The current Interior Ministry has promised to modernise its working process and complete a database of influential figures in the country within the next six months, according to Deputy Minister Chada Thaised.
Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on October 25th:
Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiseth said he instructed his son-in-law, Veerachat Rasami, to step down from his position as the Mayor of Taluk Du Subdistrict. This decision followed Veerachat's arrest on charges of allegedly extorting 600,000 baht from a private contractor to prevent any adverse effects on the local administration within the subdistrict, he said.
Chada said Veerachat's arrest exemplified his effort to "clean his own house," and his request for Veerachat to resign demonstrated his commitment to addressing the situation. He expressed his perplexity in response to criticism, saying, "When the police arrest someone close to me, there is criticism; if the police do not arrest someone close to me, there is criticism. So, what am I supposed to do?"
Chada, who is responsible for combating organized crime throughout the country, said on August 8th that the ministry, in collaboration with the police and local administrations, had extensively investigated the presence of organized crime figures in his home province of Uthai Thani. The conclusion was that no such figures were operating in the area.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called on the public to treat Veerachat fairly, highlighting that he has not been proven guilty. He emphasized that Chada is not required to resign in order to demonstrate responsibility. Srettha also noted that if Veerachat is ultimately found guilty, he will be subject to punishment in accordance with the law.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul suggested that Chada may have been involved in ordering the arrest of his own son-in-law. He also highlighted that Veerachat's arrest underscores the seriousness of the ministry and police in their efforts to combat organized crime.
Currently, Veerachat is out on bail and has resigned from his position as Mayor of the subdistrict.
Khaosod Operation "Mouse Hunt" Arrests Multinational Drug Traffickers The Narcotics Suppression Bureau of the Royal Thai Police, in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of the United States, announced on October 27, at a press conference the arrest of eight people involved in drug trafficking.
The Pattaya News Chonburi Gambling Den Raid Nets 29 Arrests, Including Police Officer Banglamung police and administrative officers apprehended 29 suspected gamblers on Tuesday, October 24th, among whom one person appeared to be a police officer.
Thai PBS World Two media executives arrested for breaching copyright on Thai TV content Two top executives of a media company are being detained by Department of Special Investigation (DSI) officers for alleged copyright infringements, related to the recording and rebroadcast (streaming) of several Thai Army-run TV Channel 7 programs via to Thai customers abroad, causing losses to the television station estimated at about 2.8 billion baht.
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