Mayor Charged After 'drunken Fight With Police'

[sriracha john]

Mayor charged after 'drunken fight with police'

Chonsawas Asavahame charged with illegal detention, refusing breath test

Samut Prakan Municipality mayor Chonsawas Asavahame has been charged with illegal detention and failing to submit to a breath test for alcohol.

Two aides have been charged, too. They have fled.

The charges stem from an alleged drunken brawl with police officers at a New Phetchaburi Road traffic checkpoint on Sunday night.

Chonsawas is a son of former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame.

Makkasan police commander Maj-General Manit Wongsom-boon alleged Chonsawas locked Lance Corporal Prarob Saengnil in a petrol station near the checkpoint and then a motor-vehicle showroom.

Chonsawas is said to have a residence in the petrol station.

Chonsawas refused to submit to a breath-alcohol test at the checkpoint after officers stopped him for speeding and erratic driving, he said. Manit said a charge of assaulting a police officer had been dropped.

It has been reported a well-known model was in the vehicle along with two other women.

Manit said Chonsawas would be questioned about the incident and the identity of his aides.

He said the women were not involved and would not be called as witnesses.

Prarob has returned to duty. He claimed to have received a telephoned death threat following the incident.

Chonsawas said in a television interview he had security-camera recordings of the incident that proved he did not assault any officer.

"It shows I never touched anyone."

*except for the 20 minutes of video that captured a great deal of intimate "touchin" with the accompanying "well-known model." * j/k

"The footage records everything from start to finish. It proves what I say," he said.

Prarob claimed Chonsawas said: "Who are you? And you don't know who my father is?"

*superbly classic line*

But the Samut Prakan mayor dismissed this, saying he did not use such tactics because he was elected to serve the people.

He denied being drunk. He said he wore short trousers and casual attire at the time, something he did not do when going out for a drink. *For that activity, he said he typically dons a Spider-Man costume underneath a Hello Kitty dress.* j/k

When asked about the three women in his car, Chonsawas said: "What models? I am puzzled. They are not models, just friends."

*uhhmm... yeah, ok... they are "just friends" *

- The Nation

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

Meanwhile, his Dad has a "colorful" background. A sampling of the many articles:

New York Times: July 14, 1995

The leader of Chart Thai, or Thai Nation party, Banharn Silpa-archa, received the appointment as Prime Minister from King Bhumibol Adulyadej at a ceremony in Bangkok. Mr. Banharn, who was elected on July 2, must now decide whether to give the Cabinet appointment to a powerful deputy, Vatana Asavahame, a successful businessman who the United States says is linked to the international drug trade. Mr. Vatana has vehemently denied those charges and is demanding a Cabinet job, saying his exclusion would be tantamount to an admission of guilt.

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

Bangkok Post : June 11, 2003

Veteran politician Vatana Asavahame, his brother and his long-time close aide and seven others will be charged with involvement in corruption surrounding the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project. The others are all senior officials in the ranking Pollution Control Department and VIPs, according to an official report by the Special Investigation Division, reports the Bangkok Post.

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

The Nation : February 17, 2006

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has asked the Department of Special Litigation (DSL)’s prosecutor to consider bringing a lawsuit against former interior minister Vatana Asavahame, who has been charged with forest encroachment in Phang Nga. Vatana, Inter Palm Oil Industry Co Ltd and nine executives of the company have been charged with encroaching on and issuing titles for 13,000 rai of protected forestland in Phang Nga’s Kapong district.

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

[CarlBkk]

Mayor charged after 'drunken fight with police'

Chonsawas Asavahame charged with illegal detention, refusing breath test

Samut Prakan Municipality mayor Chonsawas Asavahame has been charged with illegal detention and failing to submit to a breath test for alcohol.

Two aides have been charged, too. They have fled.

The charges stem from an alleged drunken brawl with police officers at a New Phetchaburi Road traffic checkpoint on Sunday night.

Chonsawas is a son of former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame.

Makkasan police commander Maj-General Manit Wongsom-boon alleged Chonsawas locked Lance Corporal Prarob Saengnil in a petrol station near the checkpoint and then a motor-vehicle showroom.

Chonsawas is said to have a residence in the petrol station.

Chonsawas refused to submit to a breath-alcohol test at the checkpoint after officers stopped him for speeding and erratic driving, he said. Manit said a charge of assaulting a police officer had been dropped.

It has been reported a well-known model was in the vehicle along with two other women.

Manit said Chonsawas would be questioned about the incident and the identity of his aides.

He said the women were not involved and would not be called as witnesses.

Prarob has returned to duty. He claimed to have received a telephoned death threat following the incident.

Chonsawas said in a television interview he had security-camera recordings of the incident that proved he did not assault any officer.

"It shows I never touched anyone."

*except for the 20 minutes of video that captured a great deal of intimate "touchin" with the accompanying "well-known model." * j/k

"The footage records everything from start to finish. It proves what I say," he said.

Prarob claimed Chonsawas said: "Who are you? And you don't know who my father is?"

*superbly classic line*

But the Samut Prakan mayor dismissed this, saying he did not use such tactics because he was elected to serve the people.

He denied being drunk. He said he wore short trousers and casual attire at the time, something he did not do when going out for a drink. *For that activity, he said he typically dons a Spider-Man costume underneath a Hello Kitty dress.* j/k

When asked about the three women in his car, Chonsawas said: "What models? I am puzzled. They are not models, just friends."

*uhhmm... yeah, ok... they are "just friends" *

- The Nation

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

Meanwhile, his Dad has a "colorful" background. A sampling of the many articles:

New York Times: July 14, 1995

The leader of Chart Thai, or Thai Nation party, Banharn Silpa-archa, received the appointment as Prime Minister from King Bhumibol Adulyadej at a ceremony in Bangkok. Mr. Banharn, who was elected on July 2, must now decide whether to give the Cabinet appointment to a powerful deputy, Vatana Asavahame, a successful businessman who the United States says is linked to the international drug trade. Mr. Vatana has vehemently denied those charges and is demanding a Cabinet job, saying his exclusion would be tantamount to an admission of guilt.

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

Bangkok Post : June 11, 2003

Veteran politician Vatana Asavahame, his brother and his long-time close aide and seven others will be charged with involvement in corruption surrounding the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project. The others are all senior officials in the ranking Pollution Control Department and VIPs, according to an official report by the Special Investigation Division, reports the Bangkok Post.

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

The Nation : February 17, 2006

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has asked the Department of Special Litigation (DSL)’s prosecutor to consider bringing a lawsuit against former interior minister Vatana Asavahame, who has been charged with forest encroachment in Phang Nga. Vatana, Inter Palm Oil Industry Co Ltd and nine executives of the company have been charged with encroaching on and issuing titles for 13,000 rai of protected forestland in Phang Nga’s Kapong district.

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

How old is this Mayor? Another Wanchalerm on the horizon? Consawas has a "residence" in the petrol station?! That's a new one...how many bedrooms does the average petrol station have? Good on the policeman for doing his job....now let's see some pics of this famous model and preferably how much she charges.

[sriracha john]

Samut Prakan mayor in spat with police

Samut Prakan mayor Chonsawat Asavahame faces charges of refusing to take an alcohol breath test and illegally detaining a police officer. The youngest son of veteran politician Vatana Asavahame was driving a BMW sedan with three young female passengers late on Sunday night on New Phetchaburi road and encountered a team of Makkasan police at a checkpoint. Pol Sgt Prarop Saengnin said he stopped Mr Chonsawat's car on suspicion the driver was drunk. Mr Chonsawat appeared to be under the influence of alcohol but refused to take a breath test. Police allege Mr Chonsawat's aides were called in and assaulted the police sergeant. Mr Chonsawat then left the scene. Pol Maj-Gen Manit Wongsomboon said police have pressed two counts against Mr Chonsawat _ resisting police orders and illegally detaining an officer on duty. His two accomplices would be charged with illegal detention. The charges carry a maximum penalty of three years in jail and 6,000-baht fine. Pol Sgt Prarop said he would not be intimidated and would not change the shift he works at the checkpoint.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/22May2007_news12.php

Edited May 21, 2007 by sriracha john

[kmart]

One of his sons once rammed a police car and shot a policeman for stopping is girlfriend's car. Of course he got away with it.

Whole family seems like a total shower of sh!t. Pretty common amongst "the elite."

[sriracha john]

Indeed, it's a race with the Wangchalerm gang, the Kamnan Po clan, the Shinawatra mob all having a serious competition for the glorious title of "Most Screwed Up Political Family of in Thailand." A whole slew of others could get thrown into the mix as well.

They should all wear distinctive colored shirts to identify which team they play for. They should also sell programs to list all the members of each individual team with glossy photos of their exploits.

[Jai Dee]

RTP Chief affirms politician's son will be prosecuted for assaulting police officer

The Interim Royal Thai Police Commissioner General affirms that the son of a prominent politician involved in a traffic incident with police would be prosecuted.

Interim Royal Thai Police Commissioner General Pol Gen Seripisuth Themeyawes (เสรีพิศุทธ์ เตมียาเวส) reported that an incident involving the son of a prominent Samut Prakan province politician occurred on May 20th in Bangkok. The politician's son is accused of driving his vehicle through a police checkpoint without heeding officer's calls to stop, and then assaulting a police officer of the Makkasan district precinct.

Pol Gen Seripisuth said that if the suspect was indeed found guilty, he would be charged with obstruction of justice.

The Interim Commissioner General also said that the police officer who was assaulted in the incident and feared retribution by the suspect's politican father would remain on normal duties and may be asked to testify in court.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 May 2007

[Plus]

Whole family seems like a total shower of sh!t. Pretty common amongst "the elite."

This is the "new elite" that rose to power through democratic system, thugs who have taken total control of local politics, not to be confused with the "old elite" - aristocrats and civil servants.

[Prakanong]

Whole family seems like a total shower of sh!t. Pretty common amongst "the elite."

This is the "new elite" that rose to power through democratic system, thugs who have taken total control of local politics, not to be confused with the "old elite" - aristocrats and civil servants.

Plenty of stories about the so called old elite - its just that they can not be mentioned here or any other Thai based boards.

Mentioned in books and elsewhere though.

[Tarragona]

Whole family seems like a total shower of sh!t. Pretty common amongst "the elite."

This is the "new elite" that rose to power through democratic system, thugs who have taken total control of local politics, not to be confused with the "old elite" - aristocrats and civil servants.

To give the good citizens of Samut Prakan and the democratic system some credit, although the family still holds sway at local level (much more difficult to put up viable opposition), they and their 'people' have fared rather badly in national elections for some time.

[Plus]

But this is NOT a story about old elite.

Bureaucrats, who rose to power through their service, are not any more immune from police and newshounds than politicians.

We are talking about families and clans, btw, not individuals.

Maybe they have better control over their offspring, maybe they are better at damage control, maybe they are just generally better behaved, but somehow they don't get in the news for assaulting police and asking everyone: "Do you know who my father is?"

[Prakanong]

But this is NOT a story about old elite.

Bureaucrats, who rose to power through their service, are not any more immune from police and newshounds than politicians.

We are talking about families and clans, btw, not individuals.

Maybe they have better control over their offspring, maybe they are better at damage control, maybe they are just generally better behaved, but somehow they don't get in the news for assaulting police and asking everyone: "Do you know who my father is?"

You brought up the old elite as if to say they do not have any dodgy incidents or the like.

Its probably they just cover them up better - then there is the old and new money argument - 3rd generation so the theory goes.

My point is the "Old Elite" have their incidents - and have been reported widely oversea's where they can not control the press like they can at home and on Thai message boards.

[kmart]

Whole family seems like a total shower of sh!t. Pretty common amongst "the elite."

This is the "new elite" that rose to power through democratic system, thugs who have taken total control of local politics, not to be confused with the "old elite" - aristocrats and civil servants.

To give the good citizens of Samut Prakan and the democratic system some credit, although the family still holds sway at local level (much more difficult to put up viable opposition), they and their 'people' have fared rather badly in national elections for some time.

Yep, its good to see. Do you remember the election campaign there a few years ago, which had to be re-done countless times due to ballot stuffing; intimidation; etc? The candidates had to take oaths in front of monks to promise not to cheat, but yet did several times before any result was announced.

[Plus]

You brought up the old elite as if to say they do not have any dodgy incidents or the like.

This is NOT the incident with the "old elite". Their alleged transgressions are not the topic of this thread and I don't see any connections to discuss them at any length.

[Prakanong]

You brought up the old elite as if to say they do not have any dodgy incidents or the like.

This is NOT the incident with the "old elite". Their alleged transgressions are not the topic of this thread and I don't see any connections to discuss them at any length.

I do not wish to discuss them - it was you who first brought the term into the thread to make a comparison.

[Plus]

it was you who first brought the term into the thread to make a comparison.

I meant to stress that Asavahames and Yubamrungs should not be grouped with "elite" as in "it was a coup for the elites who want to limit power of elected politicians".

In fact if the new Consitution restricts powers of thugs like the OP to get elected by hook and by crook, I'm all for it.

[Prakanong]

it was you who first brought the term into the thread to make a comparison.

I meant to stress that Asavahames and Yubamrungs should not be grouped with "elite" as in "it was a coup for the elites who want to limit power of elected politicians".

In fact if the new Consitution restricts powers of thugs like the OP to get elected by hook and by crook, I'm all for it.

Ok - can see that now and agree but a constitutional means might not be the best way.

They tried with the degree route and that did not work - they bought their degree's.

Having people barred if the have criminal convictions does not do much if the rule of law is a sham.

Maybe the word elites should not have been used but "Powerful".

[Scott]

Truly sad. I just don't understand why these folks can't have some kind of sticker on their car so the poor police know better than to stop them in the first place!

[Plus]

Maybe they can't afford 9999 license plates for ALL of their cars?

[tettyan]

In fact if the new Consitution restricts powers of thugs like the OP to get elected by hook and by crook, I'm all for it.

Unfortunately, there are limits to the ability of constitutions to "engineer" institutions to exogenously control the behavior of politicians in a manner we see fit. Don't forget that the 1997 constitution, on paper, represented a fundamental departure from past constitutions, and look at the result. For real change to happen, there has to be a change in the informal incentives that political actors face on a daily basis. A constitution alone cannot change that.

Indeed, the more a constitution tries to do, the less effective it becomes, because it reduces its ability to adapt over time. Therefore, constitutions should be as brief as possible - laying out the basic structure of government, and the minimum fundemantal rights that are to be protected. Like the American constitution - it's not the oldest, functioning constitution in the world for no reason.

Edited May 23, 2007 by tettyan

[Prakanong]

"Therefore, constitutions should be as brief as possible - laying out the basic structure of government, and the minimum fundemantal rights that are to be protected. Like the American constitution - it's not the oldest, functioning constitution in the world for no reason. "

Yes the more they try to dictate every line and outcome the more likely it will go the same as every other Thai constitution.

There is a lot of work to be done with the institutions of the Thai polity than just the constitution before it becomes a modern democracy.

[Plus]

The UK is fine without any constitution at all.

1997 edition was welcomed by all, but on the second thought it was too detailed and impossible to adjust to changing environment.

I think it should be a document EVERYONE agrees on. You can't have the situation where half the country is looking for ways to get around Constitutional requirements all the time.

You can't have Constitution as an issue that divides the nation.

[Rhys]

Nothing much will result.. a slap on the hand.. hmmm public service.. how can trash clean up in Bangkok..

Are these guys on audition for Thailand Reality Show.. THE LESS-More Corrupt Family..

Such is Thailand.. Would the Muslim Bros be willing to come up here and instruct this family on proper manners?

[Prakanong]

The UK is fine without any constitution at all.

1997 edition was welcomed by all, but on the second thought it was too detailed and impossible to adjust to changing environment.

I think it should be a document EVERYONE agrees on. You can't have the situation where half the country is looking for ways to get around Constitutional requirements all the time.

You can't have Constitution as an issue that divides the nation.

The UK does not have a "Written" Constitution - true. The precedents and institutions have been running for centuries though and as such there is no need for one.

Modern nations probably do - getting something EVERYONE agree's on is impossible. One that everyone finds acceptable will be hard enough and the history of constitutions in Thailand is not exacly littered with success from 1932 till the present day.

[Steely Dan]

Samut Prakan mayor in spat with police

Samut Prakan mayor Chonsawat Asavahame faces charges of refusing to take an alcohol breath test and illegally detaining a police officer. The youngest son of veteran politician Vatana Asavahame was driving a BMW sedan with three young female passengers late on Sunday night on New Phetchaburi road and encountered a team of Makkasan police at a checkpoint. Pol Sgt Prarop Saengnin said he stopped Mr Chonsawat's car on suspicion the driver was drunk. Mr Chonsawat appeared to be under the influence of alcohol but refused to take a breath test. Police allege Mr Chonsawat's aides were called in and assaulted the police sergeant. Mr Chonsawat then left the scene. Pol Maj-Gen Manit Wongsomboon said police have pressed two counts against Mr Chonsawat _ resisting police orders and illegally detaining an officer on duty. His two accomplices would be charged with illegal detention. The charges carry a maximum penalty of three years in jail and 6,000-baht fine. Pol Sgt Prarop said he would not be intimidated and would not change the shift he works at the checkpoint.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/22May2007_news12.php

Sounds like a nightmayor. I'll get my coat...

[tettyan]

I think it should be a document EVERYONE agrees on. You can't have the situation where half the country is looking for ways to get around Constitutional requirements all the time.

That's what the CDA's trying to do, but they way they're doing it is by trying to throw bones for everybody. It's sort of like some primary school activity, where everyone brings a cutout of a magazine photo to class, and then all of them are thrown onto an amorphous collage - the result is just a big mess.

The right way to get everybody to agree (or at least have everyone unhappy) is therefore to include as little in the document as possible, all that is necessary to set up functioning institutions of gov't and protect the most basic human rights.

Edited May 23, 2007 by tettyan

[sriracha john]

Mayor takes the law into his own hands

Makkasan police are seeking an eyewitness account from restaurant staff to determine whether Chonsawas Asavahame, mayor of Samut Prakan Municipality, had been drinking prior to brawling with police officers at a road checkpoint last Sunday night.

The account by owners and staff of Ana Garden in Wattana district will counter Chonsawas' statement that he was not drunk when he refused to undergo a breath test and later scuffled with a police officer at a gas station checkpoint.

It will also determine whether two of three models - who were later seen in the same car driven by Chonsawas at the gas station - assaulted a woman who had filed a complaint with Thonglor police.

Lt-Colonel Srisuk Phrommee, a Thonglor station officer, said Yossawadee and Anchalee Hassadeewijit, the sister models, would be summoned for questioning for their alleged assault on Naphassanant Phasawong at the pub, as well as over whether they had been drinking with Chonsawas in the pub.

Srisuk said the account contributed by the restaurant staff would be sufficient for police to take action against both models and Chonsawas.

Police artists have finished the sketches of two unidentified men who, along with Chonsawas, allegedly locked up Corporal Prarob Saengnil. The sketches will soon be made public.

A group of 20 Samut Prakan locals yesterday gathered at Makkasan Police Station to give moral support to the officers and Prarob in particular. They carried banners with messages condemning Chonsawas and demanding that he resign. One banner said: "We are ashamed of Chonsawas for his abuse of power."

The group said another 100 supporters would go to the station today in support of the officers and Prarob.

- The Nation

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

The women involved are big names as Yossawadee Hassadeewijit (nickname Yo and with alternative transliterated surname of Hassadeevichit) has appeared as provocative magazine cover girl:

as an actress in international films:

"The King Maker"

http://www.bangkokfilm.org/2006/en/films/p...le&id=F0256

and as a runway model:

"Smooching for style, female models lock lips with each in a fashion show"

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/03/23...nt_20003348.php

Her sister, Anchalee, is also a model and the two of them often model together:

Anchalee and Yo

When asked about the three women in his car, Chonsawas said: "What models? I am puzzled. They are not models, just friends."

Nice friends to have...

Edited May 24, 2007 by sriracha john

[BigSnake]

Time to kick this BUM out of office(ie AN INACTIVE POST)for sure.

[Head Snake]

Pictures really do make the thread.

Sexy naughty bitchy. I love it.

WHat models?? As the women roll their eyes in the car. hehe

[Plus]

I think it should be a document EVERYONE agrees on. You can't have the situation where half the country is looking for ways to get around Constitutional requirements all the time.

That's what the CDA's trying to do, but they way they're doing it is by trying to throw bones for everybody. It's sort of like some primary school activity, where everyone brings a cutout of a magazine photo to class, and then all of them are thrown onto an amorphous collage - the result is just a big mess.

Among many things said about new constitution "all-inclusive" is not the one I ever heard. Most people complain that their interests have been ignored by the drafters.

Every day there's at least three different groups asking for their cutouts to be put in the most prominent places and threatening to break furniture if their demands are not satisfied. .

The right way to get everybody to agree (or at least have everyone unhappy) is therefore to include as little in the document as possible, all that is necessary to set up functioning institutions of gov't and protect the most basic human rights.

It's too logical to ever happen in Thailand, there are no precedents.

[sriracha john]

Things are going from bad to worse for the honorable mayor...

Samut Prakan mayor hit with six more charges, avoids police

Police filed six more charges yesterday against Samut Prakan Municipality mayor Chonsawas Asavahame, in addition to charges of refusing to take a breath test for alcohol and illegally detaining a police officer.

Police will now send a second warrant to Chonsawas to hear the new charges, which now total eight.

Meanwhile, a group of Samut Prakan residents gave morale support to the 'bullied' Makkasan police officer.

Chonsawas and two aides allegedly detained and assaulted Lance Corporal Prarob Saengnil, after Chonsawas was stopped for speeding and erratic driving and asked to take a breath test at a New Phetchaburi Road checkpoint last weekend.

Police have already sent a warrant for Chonsawas to hear the charges but as of late yesterday he had yet to show up.

Makkasan Police superintendent Colonel Jeerasak Khamkhong said more witnesses had been interviewed yesterday and they helped confirm that the alleged assault took place.

So, police would now issue a second warrant for the son of former deputy interior minister, Vatana Asavahame, to hear the six additional charges.

The charges include obstructing authorities attempting to do their job by use of physical force; using three men to obstruct an official against his will by applying physical force; causing damage to property; reckless driving; failing to submit to a driving ability test and insulting authorities in their attempt to perform their duties.

Meanwhile, a group of 20 people representing residents of Samut Prakan's six districts went to give morale support to Prarob at noon yesterday.

They also carried signs that read, "We, Pak Nam residents, feel ashamed of Chonsawas' decision to spend his free time bullying officials instead of developing the city...we want justice for the police officers who were bullied."

Metropolitan Police division 1 commander Maj-General Manit Wongsomboon said Thong Lor police also had a physical assault case filed by a gold-shop owner's daughter against two female models thought to be with Chonsawas on the same night.

Makkasan police had contacted their colleagues at Thong Lor to see if the two cases were related.

- The Nation

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

"Thong Lor police also had a physical assault case filed by a gold-shop owner's daughter against two female models."

Please form an orderly queue to volunteer to be "physically assaulted" by the Hassadeevichit sisters...