Sinking Lower The Lowest

[Weho]

Can they go lower? Yes, look at this weeks's edition.

[sriracha john]

UPDATE

Wow... in the case that refuses to go away... some good news for a change for Somchai. Not often do you hear of an appealed sentence being reduced WHILE the convict is a fugitive from justice.

Still no word on his whereabouts, but WHEN he does turn up and goes to prison... his sentence has been reduced. Thankfully, it's not the 25 year first degree murder sentence being reduced, it's "only" the 5 year corruption sentence being reduced and the difference IS rather insignificant:

Court reduces Poh's term

The Supreme Court yesterday upheld the prison sentence against influential figure Somchai Kunplome, better known as Kamnan Poh, for his conviction in masterminding corrupt land deals worth Bt93 million in Chon Buri province.

The fugitive, however, had his term reduced to three years and four months from the five years and four months verdict of the Court of Appeals.

The corruption charges centre on Somchai's 1994 sale of protected forest land near Pattaya for Bt93 million. The land was sold to local authorities who wanted to convert it into a garbage dump. At the time of the sale, Somchai was mayor of Saensuk in Chon Buri province, where the land was located, and was found to have skimmed profits off the sale.

The other defendant in the trial - Winai Somsab, a former kamnan in tambon Mai Khao in Muang district - was also found guilty and sentenced to three years and four months.

Wiriya Bunkool, a former legal adviser with the Pattaya City and Prasert Phoohong, the fourth and fifth defendants in the trial, respectively, were acquitted. Siwadol Sukhonthasin, the second defendant, had died during an earlier trial. An arrest warrant was later issued for Somchai, who has reportedly fled to Cambodia while many reports said he was still hiding in Thailand.

Somchai is already facing a 25-year prison term handed by the Court of Appeals for masterminding a murder.

The statue of limitations in the corruption and murder cases against Somchai would end after 10 years and 20 years, respectively. 20 years?? ok... look forward to your return to Thailand in 2026, Somchai...

I'll still be alive and here... will you? In the meantime, enjoy your 20 years running and hiding around Cambodia...

- TN

Edited May 11, 2006 by sriracha john

[pepsi666]

If he wants to flee he can do it easily.

He can come to the UK, we give ayslum to all of the world's oppressed people that are fleeing fom their goverments and if he appeals, he'll get a nice house, all his illnesses treated on the NHS, and he can get a dam fine pension as well

He could even bring his family over as well, after a short period to help with his recuperation

After a year he donates a few quid to the labour party, he gets citizenship and then a knighthood, if he has a really BIG house to let Tony come for a holiday all his troubles will be over (Tony looks after his mates)

[elGrande]

It's amazing how low a "supposed" news organization can go... To pay tribute to a convicted murderer.... I don't think it's possible to sink any lower.

If the local population gives him a tribute, why not at least put forth the truth and tell of his long-checkered past... instead of rolling along with it?

Truth be known... they likely have no clue to his history, even though he is clearly the biggest criminal in this province.

They have no business being in the news business. Thailand would certainly be a better place without them.

Revoke their licenses and send their clueless farang staff back to whence they came.

Pattaya City News is just acting a little more Thai, that's all.

You seem to be hooked on the Pattaya City News, studying back issues...posting their articles. Don't read the PCN if it gets you all wound up...... mai pen rai

[Kerryd]

If he wants to flee he can do it easily.

He can come to the UK

Nah, he's probably holed up in Canada with that other icon of ethics, Rakeesh Saxena. They could team up and run more scams from there, secure in the knowledge that their ill-gotten gains will afford them enough high-priced lawyers to ensure they never get sent back, even after they commit crimes in Canada !

[sriracha john]

oops... perhaps I spoke too soon. Sorry about that, Somchai...

There's a bit of conflict in news reports (go figure, eh?) with this version which slightly increased his sentence, not reduced it...

oh well, anyway...he's still hiding out... amazing they release someone on bail AFTER he's been convicted of multiple felonies, including pre-meditated murder, AND sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Somchai: On the run from justice and jail

Somchai gets another five years in absentia

Chon Buri _ The Supreme Court yesterday sentenced Chon Buri godfather Somchai Khumpluem, alias Kamnan Poh, to five years and four months in prison for his part in the corrupt procurement of a plot of public land for use as a dump site. The Chon Buri Provincial Court also issued a warrant for the arrest of Somchai, who has been on the run for months.

The provincial court read out the Supreme Court's verdict in Somchai's absence.

The reading of the verdict had been postponed three times previously at Somchai's request on grounds of ill health.

Yesterday's ruling upheld the conviction of Somchai and Winai Somsap for bribery, malfeasance and forgery of documents in the sale of a 140-rai land plot to Pattaya City in 1992 and 1993 at an inflated price of 93 million baht.

The court said the land plot in Chon Buri's Bang Lamung district that Pattaya City earmarked for a landfill later turned out to be part of a forest reserve.

Earlier, the lower court in April 2004 passed the same sentence on Somchai for graft in the landfill project.

He took the case to the Appeals Court, which let the verdict stand.

Regional Police Bureau 2 chief Pol Lt-Gen Jongrak Juthanont said the warrant for Somchai's arrest had been distributed nationwide and to all checkpoints.

He said that the case has a 10-year limitation before it lapses.

On rumours that Somchai, 69, had fled to Koh Kong island in Cambodia, a popular hideaway of Thai politicians in the past, Pol Lt-Gen Jongrak said he was told by the governor of Koh Kong that there was no sign of Somchai there.

General Jongrak added that he spent many hours at the casino there and didn't see Somchai anywhere.

Somchai was also sentenced in 2004 to 25 years in jail by the Criminal Court, which found him guilty of hiring gunmen for three million baht to murder his rival Prayoon Sitthichote.

The sentence in that case will lapse in 20 years if he is not apprehended.

- BP

[pepsi666]

If he wants to flee he can do it easily.

He can come to the UK

Nah, he's probably holed up in Canada with that other icon of ethics, Rakeesh Saxena. They could team up and run more scams from there, secure in the knowledge that their ill-gotten gains will afford them enough high-priced lawyers to ensure they never get sent back, even after they commit crimes in Canada !

But if he comes to the UK, Tony's missus will defend him and it wont cost him anything, and you cant get a higher priced lawyer than her AND we NEVER send anyone back, especially if he will get mistreated in Thailand (like sent to prison)

Edited May 11, 2006 by pepsi666

[Pattaya_Fox]

Sometimes I really don`t think that some of the UK judges live in the real world. Yesterday for example one judge using his great wisdom allowed Afghan Plane Highjackers to remain in the Uk as it might be dangerous to send them back home!!

Tony Blair condemmed the decision and is looking to appeal it!

[kurgen]

Sometimes I really don`t think that some of the UK judges live in the real world. Yesterday for example one judge using his great wisdom allowed Afghan Plane Highjackers to remain in the Uk as it might be dangerous to send them back home!!

Tony Blair condemmed the decision and is looking to appeal it!

He was probably worried that they would hijack the return flight

Imagine striking up a conversation with the person next to you on a long haul flight and they tell you they are on the way home after hijacking a plane a couple of years ago

[bulmercke]

This case really makes my blood boil.

This guy, undoubtedly, has tens of millions, if not hundreds, stashed away from his illicit gains and they give him bail of only 10 million baht!

As we all know, this case exemplifies judicial and police corruption......

This is why corruption like this is so abhorent to so many ordinary, decent and hardworking people.

Scum like this should be hung....drawn and quartered!

He won't be seen again in Thailand......and further.....I'll bet the police will ensure his immunity and safety from arrest and prosecution here......that was probably part of the deal!

Edited May 11, 2006 by bulmercke

[DUMPSTER]

The reason why he is not behind bars is FEAR. Everybody is scared of him. I have spoken to many Thai people about him and they all think he is such a wonderful man because of all he has done for the area. He is so good and always helps people, i've heard that countless times. Not one person has said a negative thing about him. The fact that he has done everything with corrupt money and had someone killed is irrelevant to them. They just don't see it or more likely they just don't want to see it. His son is running everything now anyway, so I believe. Another reason to shut up because if you do speak out you know what will happen.....Boom Boom Boom.

Buddhist my arse, bloody hypocrites the lot of them.

[Mobi]

The reason why he is not behind bars is FEAR. Everybody is scared of him. I have spoken to many Thai people about him and they all think he is such a wonderful man because of all he has done for the area. He is so good and always helps people, i've heard that countless times. Not one person has said a negative thing about him. The fact that he has done everything with corrupt money and had someone killed is irrelevant to them. They just don't see it or more likely they just don't want to see it. His son is running everything now anyway, so I believe. Another reason to shut up because if you do speak out you know what will happen.....Boom Boom Boom.

Buddhist my arse, bloody hypocrites the lot of them.

Sounds a bit like our beloved ex leader who may yet make a come back

Yes, another dark side of Thailand.

[penzman]

Fear. I've noticed that when his name comes up in a conversation, it is whispered.

[DUMPSTER]

Fear. I've noticed that when his name comes up in a conversation, it is whispered.

absolutely, and if you push them to talk then they will say something nice. His empire is still expanding even though he is on the run.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Crime doesn't pay but the hours are good.

[somchai jones]

This Somchai Kunplome fellow is an imposter.

There's only one Somchai and that's me!!

[dr_Pat_Pong]

[sriracha john]

Well, another month has gone by so I suppose it's time for the monthly UPDATE on this case. Apparently the money-laundering folks at AMLO finally found some money belonging to the man, even though earlier in their first examination of his assets, they couldn't even find a 50 satang coin belonging to him. It would also seem that Somchai used the old tried and true Thaksin method of asset concealment by putting it in his daughter's name. Interestingly, it's still been seized. The Supreme Court will rule on his final appeal in this case tomorrow. I'm hoping that will have tired of the "medical" delays by now and won't delay it further. It would be a nice add-on for the TRT Party woes to have him behind bars the same week Thaksin resigns.

Yet to be announced by the press is how the appeals in his OTHER conviction, for first degree murder, are progressing.

Kamnan Poh's daughter sues AMLO over seized B13.4 million

The daughter of Somchai Khunpluem, alias Kamnan Poh, has sued three officials from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) for malfeasance and making false statements in the seizure of a 13.4-million-baht cash deposit belonging to her.

Lawyer Chamnan Chadit yesterday represented Jiraporn Khunpluem in lodging the lawsuit with the Criminal Court against the AMLO officials: acting secretary-general Pol Col Yuthaboon Dissamarn, inspector Pol Lt-Col Sunai Haruanphuet and legal officer Achariyaphan Wongwarn. He alleged the officials made false statements and committed malfeasance in the temporary seizure of her cash deposit.

The AMLO had claimed that the money was obtained through corruption surrounding a land purchase scam in which Somchai, ex-mayor of tambon Saen Suk in Chon Buri, was implicated.

Earlier, the lower court sentenced Somchai to five years and four months in prison for graft in the purchase by Pattaya City between 1992 and 1993 of a 140-rai land plot valued at 93 million baht in Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri. The land was designated as a garbage dump.

Somchai appealed but the Appeals Court let the verdict stand. He appealed to the Supreme Court, which is expected to deliver its decision tomorrow after delays resulting from Somchai's ill health.

Ms Jiraporn insisted the money had nothing to do with the scam. **...but wouldn't elaborate on specifically which particular scam it WAS obtained from...** According to her suit, AMLO made a 90-day seizure of 53 items of assets belonging to Somchai, his wife and his daughter after Somchai was found guilty of corruption.

She accused Pol Lt-Col Sunai and Ms Achariyaphan of lying to an AMLO panel that her 13.4-million-baht deposit had been derived from corruption.

The acting Amlo chief asked the prosecution to seek a court order to confiscate the assets, including the money, pending appeals although Pol Lt-Col Sunai had testified that Ms Jiraporn had never hidden or transferred her assets.

The court accepted the lawsuit and set July 17 as the date for the first examination

- BP

-------------------------------------------------

Reminds me of the old Sly Stone song: "It's a family affairrrr... it's a family affairrr"

I can imagine some future Chonburi court schedule listing to read:

08:00 People vs Khunpluem (murder conviction appeal)

10:00 Khunpluem vs AMLO (civil lawsuit)

13:00 People vs Khunpluem (graft conviction appeal)

14:00 People vs Khunpluem (take your pick)

UPDATE

In keeping with the family affair theme, his leopard son is changing his spots once again:

Sonthaya 'to leave TRT for Chart Thai'

About 20 former Thai Rak Thai MPs from eastern provinces, led by Sonthaya Khunpluem, are returning to the Chart Thai party to secure their political future. A well-placed source in the group said yesterday that Mr Sonthaya's decision to return to Chart Thai resulted from his assessment that it was their best choice. ''We don't want to move from one party to another so often,'' said the source. Chart Thai is seen as the best shelter for the group now, as it is a medium-sized party which does not confront any rivals. Mr Sonthaya led his faction away from Chart Thai to join the Thai Rak Thai party before a general election in 2005.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/02Nov2006_news06.php

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey Sonthaya... I know you're busy, but have you seen your Dad lately? There's still the small matter of his first degree murder conviction and 25 year prison sentence to settle. The next time you meet to discuss your political future with him, could you possibly mention it?

[Artisan]

Hey Sonthaya... I know you're busy, but have you seen your Dad lately? There's still the small matter of his first degree murder conviction and 25 year prison sentence to settle. The next time you meet to discuss your political future with him, could you possibly mention it?

They're rascals aren't they?

Also, I wonder what's going to happen with the Pattaya City Council as, to a man or woman for that matter, they were all "elected" members of the Thai Rak Thai Party. There has been a total absence of any balance of power in the Pattaya City Council since the establishment of the Thai Rak Thai Party.......every member solely dedicated to himself or herself.

[OlRedEyes]

I am confused. This happens often.

Where are all the posters that so often tell us not to bring our Westernised culture and ideas here. This IS the culture of LOS. And it aint gonna change soon. I'd bet my last satang on that.

The only change you'll find in the future is the Baht. Let's all go have a beer.

[sriracha john]

UPDATE

In keeping with the family affair theme, his leopard son is changing his spots once again:

Sonthaya 'to leave TRT for Chart Thai'

About 20 former Thai Rak Thai MPs from eastern provinces, led by Sonthaya Khunpluem, are returning to the Chart Thai party to secure their political future. A well-placed source in the group said yesterday that Mr Sonthaya's decision to return to Chart Thai resulted from his assessment that it was their best choice. ''We don't want to move from one party to another so often,'' said the source. Chart Thai is seen as the best shelter for the group now, as it is a medium-sized party which does not confront any rivals. Mr Sonthaya led his faction away from Chart Thai to join the Thai Rak Thai party before a general election in 2005.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/02Nov2006_news06.php

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey Sonthaya... I know you're busy, but have you seen your Dad lately? There's still the small matter of his first degree murder conviction and 25 year prison sentence to settle. The next time you meet to discuss your political future with him, could you possibly mention it?

UPDATE

well, he's done it now...

Sonthaya rejoins Chat Thai

Sonthaya Khunplome, a former Thai Rak Thai member, Sunday led a group of 10 former Chon Buri MPs to apply as Chat Thai Party members.

Sonthaya submitted the applications at the Chat Thai head office during the 32 anniversary celebration.

Sonthaya used to be Chat Thai members before leading his faction to defect and join Thai Rak Thai.

The Nation

-----------------------------------------------------------------

....as The Nation doesn't clearly spell it out, perhaps they mean that this will mark the 32nd month that good ol' Dad has been missing from serving out his 25 year prison sentence for pre-meditated murder. Speaking of Dad, you haven't seen him, have you, Sonthaya?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

nice corsage, Sonthaya....

Edited November 19, 2006 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Well, another month has gone by so I suppose it's time for the monthly UPDATE on this case. Apparently the money-laundering folks at AMLO finally found some money belonging to the man, even though earlier in their first examination of his assets, they couldn't even find a 50 satang coin belonging to him. It would also seem that Somchai used the old tried and true Thaksin method of asset concealment by putting it in his daughter's name. Interestingly, it's still been seized. The Supreme Court will rule on his final appeal in this case tomorrow. I'm hoping that will have tired of the "medical" delays by now and won't delay it further. It would be a nice add-on for the TRT Party woes to have him behind bars the same week Thaksin resigns.

Yet to be announced by the press is how the appeals in his OTHER conviction, for first degree murder, are progressing.

Kamnan Poh's daughter sues AMLO over seized B13.4 million

The daughter of Somchai Khunpluem, alias Kamnan Poh, has sued three officials from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) for malfeasance and making false statements in the seizure of a 13.4-million-baht cash deposit belonging to her.

Lawyer Chamnan Chadit yesterday represented Jiraporn Khunpluem in lodging the lawsuit with the Criminal Court against the AMLO officials: acting secretary-general Pol Col Yuthaboon Dissamarn, inspector Pol Lt-Col Sunai Haruanphuet and legal officer Achariyaphan Wongwarn. He alleged the officials made false statements and committed malfeasance in the temporary seizure of her cash deposit.

The AMLO had claimed that the money was obtained through corruption surrounding a land purchase scam in which Somchai, ex-mayor of tambon Saen Suk in Chon Buri, was implicated.

Earlier, the lower court sentenced Somchai to five years and four months in prison for graft in the purchase by Pattaya City between 1992 and 1993 of a 140-rai land plot valued at 93 million baht in Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri. The land was designated as a garbage dump.

Somchai appealed but the Appeals Court let the verdict stand. He appealed to the Supreme Court, which is expected to deliver its decision tomorrow after delays resulting from Somchai's ill health.

Ms Jiraporn insisted the money had nothing to do with the scam. **...but wouldn't elaborate on specifically which particular scam it WAS obtained from...** According to her suit, AMLO made a 90-day seizure of 53 items of assets belonging to Somchai, his wife and his daughter after Somchai was found guilty of corruption.

She accused Pol Lt-Col Sunai and Ms Achariyaphan of lying to an AMLO panel that her 13.4-million-baht deposit had been derived from corruption.

The acting Amlo chief asked the prosecution to seek a court order to confiscate the assets, including the money, pending appeals although Pol Lt-Col Sunai had testified that Ms Jiraporn had never hidden or transferred her assets.

The court accepted the lawsuit and set July 17 as the date for the first examination

- BP

-------------------------------------------------

Reminds me of the old Sly Stone song: "It's a family affairrrr... it's a family affairrr"

I can imagine some future Chonburi court schedule listing to read:

08:00 People vs Khunpluem (murder conviction appeal)

10:00 Khunpluem vs AMLO (civil lawsuit)

13:00 People vs Khunpluem (graft conviction appeal)

14:00 People vs Khunpluem (take your pick)

UPDATE... moving from monthly updates to now nearly an annual update

...and Kamnan Po is STILL no where to be found... but at least his daughter is carrying on with that proud tradition he established. He must be running low on funds:

AMLO officials face lawsuit

The Criminal Court yesterday accepted a lawsuit filed by the daughter of Somchai Khuenpluem, alias Kamnan Poh, against three officials of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) for malfeasance and making false statements in the seizure of a 13.4-million-baht cash deposit. In the lawsuit, Jiraporn Khunpluem accused the three AMLO officials of making false statements and malfeasance in the temporary seizure of her cash deposit amounting to 13.4 million baht. The AMLO seized assets worth about 30 million baht from Mr Somchai, his wife and Ms Jiraporn, as it suspected the assets had been acquired through corruption in connection with a land purchase scam in tambon Khao Maikaew in Chon Buri.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/21Feb2007_news09.php

[sriracha john]

UPDATE...the tribulations of the killer's family marches on

AMLO official is acquitted

A Chon Buri court yesterday acquitted a senior Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) official of unauthorised seizure of assets belonging to a daughter of fugitive Somchai Kunplome.

Somchai, an influential local figure, has been on the run since the Supreme Court last year upheld a conviction for corruption involving a landfill in Bang Lamung. *AND.... An Additional Conviction For First Degree Murder.. mustn't forget that little detail.*

Somchai is better known as Kamnan Poh.

The Chon Buri District Court ruled that an AMLO deputy secretary-general Police Colonel Yutthabool Disamarn had authority to sign a warrant on behalf of his superior to freeze the assets of complainant Jiraphon Kunplome.

Jiraphon's lawyer Chamnarn Chadit said he would appeal the ruling.

- The Nation

[Luckydog]

Ok, ok... I realize they are an insult to respectable news organizations and journalists the world over.... but then just don't call it Pattaya City News (or Pattaya Mail, for that matter). Keep things honest and call them:

The Pattaya Wimpy Drippy Spineless Tribune

and the

Pattaya On Our Knees And Servicing The Power Brokers Herald

Yes John, the local English Language newspapers in Pattaya, including 'Pattaya People', are not even worthy of being torn into 1 foot square sheets and being hung on a rusty nail behind an outside toilet door.

"Pattaya Mail" and the "Pattaya People" are the biggest sphincter licking publications that have ever hit the streets of Thailand.....

Can I say that?....Whoops, I just did!

Yes you can say that here. But they can't print such trueisms. Unless they want to be shot!

[sriracha john]

UPDATE.... return to the beginning

In a return to the beginning of this nearly two year-old thread that just refuses to go away... we have the latest update provided by the OP news source:

Further Press Conference presents Khun Itipon to the media

Khun Itipon, is currently the adviser to the Mayor of Pattaya, Khun Niran. He is also the frontrunner in the forthcoming elections which will choose the next Mayor of Pattaya to be held in 2008. He is supported by the current Mayor and many other prominent local figures including his older brother, Khun Sontaya, a former adviser to the former Prime Minister of Thailand. At this press conference held at the office of Khun Itipon located on Pattaya Third Road. His intensions to run for Mayor were once again confirmed and supported by the current Mayor and others who were in attendance. Details of his intentions should he be elected into office were given including more emphasis on developing the Tourism Industry here in Pattaya and assisting with Tourist Safety and Crime Suppression.

- Pattaya City News

================================================================================

The missing details...

Ittipon is a former Thai Rak Thai party MP that abandoned ship when it became trendy to do so two weeks after the coup:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/03...es_30015251.php

His brother, Sontaya, mentioned in the article was a Thai Rak Thai Party Deputy Leader and former Tourism and Sports Minister in former Thai Rak Thai Prime Minister Thaksin's Cabinet, before jumping ship, as well, after the coup.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/02...es_30015190.php

They are the sons of the notorious Godfather of this thread and who is STILL running from the law AFTER having been granted bail AFTER having been convicted of first degree murder. Current whereabouts unknown.

Good luck Pattaya.... Enjoy your new mayor next year!!

Edited September 3, 2007 by sriracha john

[pointofview]

First... their news:

Happy 68th Birthday to the Father of Chonburi.

Every year at this time, businessmen and politicians from around Chonburi Province converge on Saen Sook sub-district to wish a Happy Birthday to a man who is known as the Father of Chonburi, Khun Somshai Kenpleum who is also known to many as Gam Nan Bo. This well respected politician and businessmen is celebrating his 68th Birthday and as you can see, it was standing room only at his house as he received gifts from many of his friends and admirers whilst his family including his wife looked on. The list of VIP's who attended the event is too long for us to go through here but suffice to say that the days event demonstrated the admiration and respect held for this Chonburi Icon.

Now...

the reality:

CHON BURI MURDER: Kamnan Poh gets 25 years

Published on Jun 22, 2004

Free on Bt10m bail, notorious godfather vows to appeal to the highest courts

Somchai Kunplome, Thailand's best-known "influential figure'', was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in jail for putting out a contract on the life of rival Prayoon Sitichote, who was killed by an unidentified gunman in March last year.

Also convicted was Somchai's accomplice Passakorn Homhuan, who was also handed a 25-year sentence.

After the verdict, Somchai, alias Kamnan Poh, and Passakorn were each released on Bt10-million bail pending the filing for an appellate review within 30 days.

Somchai, regarded as the Godfather of Chon Buri, is in the midst of a high-stakes legal battle that could spell the end of his political and business domination of the eastern seaboard.

In addition to the Prayoon murder case, he is appealing his five-year, four-month graft sentence for land-procurement irregularities.

If he loses both legal battles, he could spend the next 30-plus years in jail.

Criminal Court judge Anan Senkhum said in yesterday's verdict that the defence failed to show credible evidence in rebutting prosecution witnesses.

Somchai appeared grim faced after hearing his verdict and refused to talk to reporters.

Accompanying Somchai from the courtroom were his five children, Tourism and Sport Minister Sontaya, Chat Thai MPs Witthaya and Itthipol, daughter Jiraporn and youngest son Narongchai.

Chat Thai MP Surasit Nitiwutworaluck said no one imagined that the court would hand down a guilty verdict.

---------------------------------------

Well over a year after being convicted and sentenced for first degree murder, he remains free.

_____________________________________________________________

It's amazing how low a "supposed" news organization can go... To pay tribute to a convicted murderer.... I don't think it's possible to sink any lower.

If the local population gives him a tribute, why not at least put forth the truth and tell of his long-checkered past... instead of rolling along with it?

Truth be known... they likely have no clue to his history, even though he is clearly the biggest criminal in this province.

They have no business being in the news business. Thailand would certainly be a better place without them.

Revoke their licenses and send their clueless farang staff back to whence they came.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The same can be said for the Payttaya Mail who last year gave his birthday bash a full 2 page spread including the usual cast of Pattaya Mail charactors joining in the cellebrations with him.

Can hardly wait for next weeks edition.

lest we forget! the owner/editor of the said publication would be from the land of quality tourists. ( one must keep ones work permit in order)

[Tony Clifton]

Ittipon has put up billboards all around the Chonburi province, saying he always "did his best for the country". Funny enough, the billboards popped up immediately after TRT's dissolution.

People applauded a criminal mayor now on the run, surely they'll vote his son in.

Edited September 4, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

MORE THAN A GODFATHER'S SON

The disappearance of Somchai Khunpluem, better known as Kamnan Poh, and the five-year ban from politics for his son Sonthaya may lead to a changing political landscape in Chon Buri after the general election. Sonthaya talked about politics in the eastern province with Anucha Charoenpo.

What will politics in Chonburi be like without your father's influence?

It depends on teamwork. Many people think that politics here is only run by my family.

How confident are you that your faction will be able to make a sweep of the eight parliamentary seats in the province, while your arch-rivals the Democrat Party want to snatch at least four of them?

First of all, I have to say that I have no duties overseeing the campaigns of the Chart Thai candidates as I am one of the 111 former executives of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party banned from politics for five years.

How do you feel about criticism that when it comes to elections in Chonburi there must be a mention of the words ''the godfather's town''? Are you comfortable with that?

It's a natural thing.

Interview continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/11Dec2007_news04.php

Edited December 11, 2007 by sriracha john

[monty]

And don't forget, more relevant for Pattaya, the next major here will be most probably Ittipon Khunpluem!

Seems he jumped the TRT ship early enough to escape the 5 year ban!

[sriracha john]

or... the next Mayor, even....

Info on him is in Post #85 of this thread.

Ittipon

His brother, Sonthaya

Their father, Somchai (in the blood-red shirt)

Edited December 11, 2007 by sriracha john