Thai court questions police over arrest of former national park chief

[snoop1130]

 

The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has demanded that the Central Investigation Bureau answer four questions pertaining to the incident last December when Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya, former chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, was arrested by anti-corruption police at his office.

 

Accompanied by his lawyer, Rutchada appeared before the court this morning (Thursday) to deny charges that he demanded bribes from his subordinates in exchange for their transfers, in a case in which he charges Pol Maj-Gen Jaroonkiat Pankeaw, commander of the corruption prevention and suppression police, and Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn, director of 9th Regional Protected Area Office and five other officials, with malfeasance in office, depriving him of his freedom, falsifying evidence, intrusion and criminal association.

 

During the hearing today, Rutchada claimed that his arrest at his office last December was an act of collusion between the anti-corruption police and Chaiwat, as Chaiwat was under investigation for alleged misuse of 14-million baht for a reforestation project back in 2019, which is due to expire on March 29th.

 

Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-court-questions-police-over-arrest-of-former-national-park-chief/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-02-23

 

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[trainman34014]

Seem to recall this Geezer was caught with a Brown Envelope full of cash on his desk and was seen counting it.  Is any other evidence needed ?

[soi3eddie]

He's got a damn good lawyer by the sound of it.

 

[bradiston]

10 hours ago, trainman34014 said:

Seem to recall this Geezer was caught with a Brown Envelope full of cash on his desk and was seen counting it.  Is any other evidence needed ?

Yes, a lot. He's challenging the legality of the raid and a host of other questions. Same everywhere. Smart lawyer will get you off.

[bamnutsak]

1 minute ago, bradiston said:

Smart lawyer will get you off.

 

A happy ending for Khun Rutchada?

 

 

Questioning the motives of the authorities rarely works here. Unless you lubricate the "system". Or have ultra-high status.

 

 

[bradiston]

1 minute ago, bamnutsak said:

 

A happy ending for Khun Rutchada?

 

 

Questioning the motives of the authorities rarely works here. Unless you lubricate the "system". Or have ultra-high status.

 

 

If "The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has demanded that the Central Investigation Bureau answer four questions pertaining to the incident last December when Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya, former chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, was arrested by anti-corruption police at his office" it suggests all is not going according to "the authorities'" plans. Who has the most clout?

 

[bamnutsak]

6 minutes ago, bradiston said:

Who has the most clout?

At this point? Hard to guess? Coin toss.

 

When he was first arrested the evidence seemed overwhelming; piles of cash (~ five million baht was in published reports) and amulets, he demanded an 18% (of the underlings' budget) kickback. I understood that this was recorded.

 

 

Edited February 24, 2023 by bamnutsak

[Dcheech]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Chaiwat was under investigation for alleged misuse of 14-million baht for a reforestation project back in 2019, which is due to expire on March 29th.

Theya re all up to their necks in it. 

[mikebell]

Thai police investigating Thai police; can't see the problem here.

[SuperSilverHaze]

I have spent cumulative years in Thai national parks. Extremely corrupt

[digger70]

2 hours ago, SuperSilverHaze said:

I have spent cumulative years in Thai national parks. Extremely corrupt

Well, you go and give them some Pointers to make the Charge stick.  

[Andycoops]

I sense another Thai keystone cops moment and therefore a complete white wash with of course the lowest ranking officials taking the blame as usual...

[kwilco]

So the establishment strikes bak!

 

Corruption is a huge problem (or pastime?) in Thailand but it leads to incompetence in high places s people get jobs they don't have the skills for.

 

If the case against the official collapses, it will be down to the incompetence of the police who may or may not have followed procedure.

 

Anyone involved in cases involving corruption must be meticulous in prosecuting them and tick every box.

Edited February 24, 2023 by kwilco