Teacher Preecha taken into police custody over Bt30-million lottery controversy

[webfact]

Teacher Preecha taken into police custody over Bt30-million lottery controversy

 

 

Preecha Kraikruan (L)

 

Crime suppression police on Wednesday arrested a school teacher and a lottery vendor involved in the Bt30-million lottery scandal in Kanchanaburi province.
 

Police went to a school and brought teacher Preecha Kraikruan into custody.

 

He and vendor Rattanaporn Supathip are wanted on three charges for allegedly giving false information concerning criminal offence, giving information to an investigating official about an offence they knew had not been committed, and giving this information with malicious intent.

Rattanaporn was separately arrested at a market she was selling the lotteries.

 

National police chief Chakthip Chaijinda was due to hold a press conference later on Wednesday about the results of the investigation, but the issuing of warrants appears to confirm that police believe Charoon is the real owner of the winning tickets.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30339859

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-02-28

[webfact]

National police chief says 30-million baht lottery scandal be the last of it’s kind in lottery cheating

By Thai PBS

 

 

As the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police are searching the homes of two prime suspects in the 30-million baht lottery scandal for evidence, Royal Thai Police (RTP) commissioner Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda declared that this would be the last case of it’s kind in cheating of others’s winning tickets.

 

At the press conference which drew the eyes of people nationwide of how this controversial case would end after dragging on for almost four months, Pol Gen Chakthip did not say exactly who was the real owner of the lottery tickets but recalled how it happened and prompted him to order the transfer of the case to the CSD.

 

He said he ordered the CSD police to take over the case after investigation by local police and the Provincial Police Bureau (PPB7)  which oversees the case concluded the teacher to be the real owner of the five lottery tickets.

 

Full story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/national-police-chief-says-30-million-baht-lottery-scandal-last-kind-lottery-cheating/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2018-02-28

[webfact]

Supreme Court appears to back ex-cop in Bt30m lottery dispute as teacher arrested

By The Nation

 

 

The national police chief on Wednesday declined to reveal the real owner of lottery tickets worth Bt30 million at the centre of a dispute between a schoolteacher and retired police officer, saying he could not violate court jurisdiction.
 

However, Pol General Chakthip Chaijinda told a packed press conference that a Supreme Court ruling had determined that ownership rights belonged to the individual who had cashed in the tickets to claim the Bt30 million from the November 1 lottery.

 

Ownership of the tickets has been contested by teacher Preecha Kraikruan and former police officer Charoon Wimool, who both claimed to have bought the tickets.

 

Chakthip’s statement appeared to refer to Charoon as the legitimate owner, since he had cashed in the tickets and collected the money in November.

 

The scandal began after Preecha filed a complaint with Kanchanaburi police claiming that he had lost the tickets, which he had bought from a vendor in a Kanchanaburi market. The complaint was lodged two days after the announcement of the winning number.

 

He did not name Charoon at the time, but a police investigation found that the retired officer had already cashed in the tickets and spent about Bt5 million of the prize money. The remainder of the funds is frozen pending the conclusion of the investigation.

 

Preecha subsequently filed charges against Charoon alleging receipt of stolen items, while Charoon in turn filed a charge claiming that Preecha had given false information when he claimed that the former officer had picked up the winning tickets from the street.

 

Charoon claimed he had bought the tickets from a vendor, whom he could not remember.

 

Preecha and a ticket vendor testifying on his behalf were later arrested for filing false information damaging Charoon.

 

Speaking at the same press conference, Central Investigation Bureau commander Pol Lt-General Thitirat Nongharnpitak said the retired police officer did not have any witnesses to confirm his ownership, while the teacher had about 40.

 

However, the witness testimonials were contradicted by scientific evidence that CIB police gathered during their investigation, Thitirat said.

 

The CIB took over the investigation from Kanchanaburi police, who had concluded that the tickets belonged to Preecha, after Charoon sought help from the bureau, claiming he had been treated unfairly.

 

Chakthip said the arrest of Preecha and the vendor was just the beginning as the investigation was not over and more arrest warrants were expected.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30339872

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-02-28

[saakura]

I watched this drama on TV about an hour ago. About 10 very high ranking police officers (judging by their chests full of coloured ribbons) accompanied the big boss who sat down in the center chair. All the others then bowed deeply to him before taking their seats. The room was packed with over a 100 camera teams. And the locals in the barber shop were glued to the screen, as if the decision would have mattered personally to them. 

[mtls2005]

Hopefully, he doesn't contract some rare blood disorder, or "fall down the stairs" or jump out a window, while in police custody.

 

 

Edited February 28, 2018 by mtls2005

[RichCor]

So, when, exactly, did Thailand become a province of China?

I'm confused.

[Just1Voice]

Anyone who didn't know the ex-cop would be declared the "rightful owner" needs to have their medications checked.  

[darksidedog]

I think it has been obvious for a while that the cops have absolutely no idea who the tickets truly belong to. So, in the interests of preserving the (laughable) reputation of Thailand, and in the spirit of the cops looking after their own, few will be surprised at this latest turn of events.

[rkidlad]

Look at the picture of them all sat there with the big screen behind them. Absolute narcissism. 

 

Not only are they corrupt, but they don't understand their duties as police officers. They've made this story, like so many other high-profile stories, about themselves. Sack 'em all. 

[canuckamuck]

I was beginning to think the little guy might win; just the novelty of it was exciting. Oh well back to extorting the masses everyone.

Edited February 28, 2018 by canuckamuck

[metisdead]

A post containing a disguised disallowed reference to the current government has been removed. 

[robblok]

32 minutes ago, darksidedog said:

I think it has been obvious for a while that the cops have absolutely no idea who the tickets truly belong to. So, in the interests of preserving the (laughable) reputation of Thailand, and in the spirit of the cops looking after their own, few will be surprised at this latest turn of events.

Possession is nine tenth of the law, this is how it would have been judged in other countries too unless the teacher had real solid evidence the cop stole from him. He did not his own witnesses had contradictory statements. 

 

Just for argument sake.. think of the chance of having the winning ticket and losing it.. that is an astronomical small chance. 

[worgeordie]

"Police went to a school and brought teacher Preecha Kraikruan into custody."

The Police actually went out and brought him in, what's wrong with the ,"Can

you report to the station by next Thursday ,Please" or is that reserved for the

really big HiSo's, looks like the lowly teacher is in the shit. 

regards worgeordie

[hangdonger]

The story has more holes in it than swiss cheese

[Oziex1]

Money and the RTP. Say no more. 

[Cadbury]

The ex cop has the money in the bank. The teacher has nothing in the bank. There is no way the teacher can buy his way out of this. The ex-cop with the money holds the cards and it happens to be a royal flush. C'est la vie or goodnight nurse.

[kickstart]

3 hours ago, worgeordie said:

"Police went to a school and brought teacher Preecha Kraikruan into custody."

The Police actually went out and brought him in, what's wrong with the ,"Can

you report to the station by next Thursday ,Please" or is that reserved for the

really big HiSo's, looks like the lowly teacher is in the shit. 

regards worgeordie

What Thai tv have been saying all afternoon is that the teacher will get 3 years.

Now ,has he been to court, judge and jury hear both sides, jury adjourns to make they decision, judge passes sentence ,or is the 3 years just press speculation, that has been said about 50 times this afternoon, if/when it comes to court.

This has been going on  for months ,is this going to be the first time in Thai history , a Thai police officer has done something legally .

[Artisi]

All you nasty people insinuating that some people are other than honest, how could you say such a thing?

 

[JAG]

1 hour ago, Artisi said:

All you nasty people insinuating that some people are other than honest, how could you say such a thing?

 

Especially about Policemen!

[the guest]

7 hours ago, RichCor said:

So, when, exactly, did Thailand become a province of China?

I'm confused.

14% of the population of the country is of Chinese origin, so you could say it is strongly influenced by their mother country.

[greenchair]

6 hours ago, robblok said:

Possession is nine tenth of the law, this is how it would have been judged in other countries too unless the teacher had real solid evidence the cop stole from him. He did not his own witnesses had contradictory statements. 

 

Just for argument sake.. think of the chance of having the winning ticket and losing it.. that is an astronomical small chance. 

Just for argument sake. .

Think of the chance of buying the winning ticket and forgetting where you bought it. 

That is an astronomical small chance. 

[PoorSucker]

49 minutes ago, greenchair said:

Just for argument sake. .

Think of the chance of buying the winning ticket and forgetting where you bought it. 

That is an astronomical small chance. 

For argument sake. 

He memorised 6 numbers on his tickets in case he lost them. 

[parryhandy]

7 hours ago, robblok said:

Possession is nine tenth of the law, this is how it would have been judged in other countries too unless the teacher had real solid evidence the cop stole from him. He did not his own witnesses had contradictory statements. 

 

Just for argument sake.. think of the chance of having the winning ticket and losing it.. that is an astronomical small chance. 

That's basically what the article says the supreme court have decided.

 

Quote

 the Supreme Court’s verdict No 2578/2530 which, in summation, ruled that lottery tickets are not registered property and anyone who possesses a lottery tickets is the owner and there is no need to sign in order to purchase a lottery ticket.

Anyone who claimed he or she has lost a winning lottery ticket and who has lodged a complaint of the loss after the announcement of the lottery result is held in suspicion that he/she is the real owner of the lost ticket and the person who actually has the ticket in possession should have the better right of ownership, according to the court’s verdict.

 

[greenchair]

31 minutes ago, PoorSucker said:

For argument sake. 

He memorised 6 numbers on his tickets in case he lost them. 

For further argument sake. 

There are 4 more cases almost exactly like this case in the last 2 years. 

2 involving 30 million in winnings. 

[mstevens]

11 hours ago, darksidedog said:

I think it has been obvious for a while that the cops have absolutely no idea who the tickets truly belong to. So, in the interests of preserving the (laughable) reputation of Thailand, and in the spirit of the cops looking after their own, few will be surprised at this latest turn of events.

Nonsense.  The police are aware who bought the tickets but they have to follow due process and be very careful what they say as the case has captivated the nation.  If you follow the Thai news or Thai social media, you'd be aware that most people know that the evidence very strongly suggests that the retired police officer is the rightful owner of the tickets.

[webfact]

Teacher, vendor arrested over Bt30m lottery dispute

By The Nation

 

Teacher Preecha Kraikruan is brought to the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok yesterday as legal proceedings against him officially began and his key witness, Rattanaporn Supatip, was also in police custody.

 

THE ARRESTS of a teacher and his key witness in their high-profile row with a retired policeman over lottery winnings worth Bt30 million appear to settle the question of ownership regarding the disputed tickets.

 

Teacher Preecha Kraikruan was arrested at his school yesterday as lottery vendor Rattanaporn Supatip was apprehended at her home in Kanchanaburi province.

 

Preecha Kraikruan

 

Rattanaporn Supatip

 

They face charges of filing a false complaint with police, giving false information to officials and framing another person in a criminal case. 

 

Last November, Preecha lodged a complaint of theft and receiving ill-gotten gains against Pol Lieutenant Charoon Wimul, accusing him of taking possession of lottery tickets the teacher claimed he had bought from Rattanaporn. 

 

Preecha has publicly portrayed himself as a victim for months, producing Rattanaporn and several other people as witnesses. He claimed he had bought the lottery tickets but accidentally dropped them and Charoon probably found and took them illegitimately. 

 

 

However, Charoon has consistently denied Preecha’s claims. Earlier this month, he submitted a petition in Bangkok to national police chief Pol General Chakthip Chaijinda asking for help.

 

He and his lawyer, Sittra Biabangkerd, expressed concern that local police were taking the teacher’s side. 

 

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has since taken over the investigation from local police. 

 

Last week, three local policemen were transferred, reportedly for questionable handling of the high-profile case. 

 

Chakthip, CIB chief Lt-General Thitiraj Nhongharnpitak and several senior police officers yesterday held a press conference revealing investigation results. 

 

“At this point, we have found evidence against two suspects [Preecha and Rattanaporn]. Our investigation will expand further to determine who else was involved,” Chakthip said. 

 

He added that in a much similar case, the Office of Attorney-General had ruled the tickets belonged to the person who had them in their possession. 

 

“In the event buyers lose their lottery tickets, they must lodge a complaint with police immediately – not after the numbers are already announced as winning,” Chakthip said. 

 

 

He added that a Supreme Court ruling from 1987 also stated clearly that lottery prizes would be awarded to people who produced the winning tickets. 

 

“The Government Lottery Office has also printed on the back of all lottery tickets that prizes will be awarded only to people producing the tickets,” Chakthip said. 

 

Charoon would have to prove his ownership in civil proceedings in a separate civil case filed by Preecha, he added. 

 

Speaking at the same press conference, Thitiraj said Charoon had been very reserved in speaking to investigators. 

 

 

“As for Preecha’s side, our careful probe has already found that statements by his witnesses contradicted scientific evidence that CIB police gathered during their investigation,” Thitiraj said.

 

Following their arrests, Preecha and Rattanaporn were brought from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok. They will remain in custody at least until tomorrow, as police have objected to their release on bail. Police also plan to seek court permission to further detain the suspects. 

 

Rattanaporn said yesterday she told the truth and was not worried about the current developments in the case. 

 

Preecha refused to speak to the media when he was brought to Bangkok.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30339904

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-03-01

[YetAnother]

14 hours ago, webfact said:

the issuing of warrants appears to confirm that police believe Charoon is the real owner of the winning tickets.

we do not have access to the facts and evidence (however manufactured that might be) however, thailand being thailand, seems the police are protecting their own, the ex-police surely has lifelong friends and cronies and connections inside the 'probing bodies'

[Jimbo in Thailand]

14 hours ago, robblok said:

Possession is nine tenth of the law, this is how it would have been judged in other countries too unless the teacher had real solid evidence the cop stole from him. He did not his own witnesses had contradictory statements.

I agree.  If Preecha really did purchase the winning lottery ticket(s) but then carelessly lost/dropped them then he's freakin' sh1t outta luck, just like anyone else.  I believe "Finders keepers (losers weepers)" certainly applies here.  Can't imagine how this turned into such a massive time-wasting soap opera.  Oh yeah... almost forgot for a second...

 

T.I.T. 

[djayz]

What a surprise... not! 

I would have bet my last lottery ticket that the ruling would go in favour of the ex cop. 

[robblok]

10 hours ago, greenchair said:

Just for argument sake. .

Think of the chance of buying the winning ticket and forgetting where you bought it. 

That is an astronomical small chance. 

I am not sure if you actually live in Thailand but these sellers pop up everywhere on bikes and are just about everywhere. Unless you make it a habit of buying at the same one always there is quite a chance you don't remember. I normally forget where i buy mundane things, but if something matters i remember it. However a lottery ticket is just that one of those insignificant things you buy. Because at the moment you buy it you don't know it won anything.