Drug baron Laota given life sentence for drug trafficking

By Thai PBS

 

 

Drug baron Laota Sanli was today (December 13) given death sentence by the Criminal Court in Bangkok after he was found guilty for drug trafficking.

 

However his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the drug charges in two cases.

 

His son, Vijarn Sanli, was sentenced to death for drug trafficking, and possession of firearms. Although he pleaded guilty to firearms possession, and denied the drug trafficking charge, the court upheld the sentence due to substantial evidence produced by the state prosecutor.

 

Full story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/drug-baron-laota-given-life-sentence-drug-trafficking/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2017-12-13

Is that the one who deals with Benz Racing and co.???

3 minutes ago, MaxLee said:

Is that the one who deals with Benz Racing and co.???

He now only deals with other inmates for the remaining..............lifetime.

Khun Sa associate Laota and family convicted of drug trafficking

By The Nation

 

Alleged drug trafficking suspect Laota Sanli (C) arrives for a hearing at the Criminal Court in Bangkok, Thailand, 13 December 2017.// EPA-EFE PHOTO

 

The Criminal Court on Wednesday sentenced Laota Saenli, a drug-trafficking suspect who was reportedly close to the notorious Khun Sa, the former Shan warlord and drug trafficker, to life imprisonment.

His wife received a 25-year jail term while his two sons were given death sentences.

 

Laota, his wife and two sons were arrested at a petrol station in Chiang Mai’s Mae Ai district late last year in sting operation, in which 500,000 “yaba” amphetamine pills and 31.8 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine were seized.

 

Laota, 78, his wife, Asama Saenli, 68, and their two sons, Wicharn Saenli, 452, and Baramee Barameekuakoolsup, 39, were taken to the court at 9am accompanied by another suspect who was arrested with them, Rapikarn Pophetchalak, 58.

 

Asama was initially given a life sentence but the court commuted the sentence to 25 years because she pleaded guilty.

 

The court also ordered Laota and his wife to pay Bt2.5-million fines each.

 

The court convicted Rapikarn of distributing drugs and sentenced him to life imprisonment and a fine of Bt5 million.

 

The couple’s two sons, Wicharn, and Baramee, who were both carrying guns when they were arrested, were sentenced to death.

 

After hearing the sentences, all of the defendants filed appeals.

 

Laota is a former village headman who was reportedly close to the deceased Khun Sa. He was previously arrest for allegedly possessing heroin with the intent to sell, but he was acquitted by a court. He was later tried by the Fang provincial court on a murder charge but was again acquitted.

 

Drug enforcement authorities had been keeping a close watch on him until they arrested him in Chiang Mai late last year.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30333847

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-12-13

With money, chances are strong that despite being locked up,  he will be able to carry on his dirty business with the help of a few cell phones in his cell !

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Laota, 78, his wife, Asama Saenli, 68, and their two sons, Wicharn Saenli, 452, and Baramee Barameekuakoolsup, 39,

Well I don't think they will serve much time as Laota is 78 and his wife is 68. 

 

However, given that their son, Wicharn is 452, I could be wrong!

 

As for Baramee, 39, well he could be in jail for a long long time.

Edited December 13, 20178 yr by BigBadGeordie

I think I would have pleaded not guilty, and took the death sentence !

Be nice to see some of those selling so called 'legal" drugs (pharmaceuticals) sharing a cell with him! they kill more people every year than the so called illegals!

With the sort of money this guy has, I doubt he will stay in jail long...

Why does the second son have a different surname? 

18 hours ago, webfact said:

Laota, his wife and two sons were arrested at a petrol station in Chiang Mai’s Mae Ai district late last year in sting operation, in which 500,000 “yaba” amphetamine pills and 31.8 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine were seized

Now why would a "warlord" be part of a sting operation ? Doesn't he as a boss have people to do the traficking ?

17 hours ago, observer90210 said:

With money, chances are strong that despite being locked up,  he will be able to carry on his dirty business with the help of a few cell phones in his cell !

Ever since his arrest the army has occupied his village and watched over everything taking place. These Lisu are actually doing some farming to keep their Fortuners on the road! But they still have lots of land, cars and money thats for sure.