Former Minister Itthipol Free Amid Pattaya Condo Controversy

[webfact]

Itthipol Khunpluem, former Culture Minister and ex-mayor of Pattaya City, has been acquitted in a high-profile luxury condo scandal due to the case reaching its statute of limitations.

 

Attending court in Rayong province yesterday, Itthipol left without speaking to the press after the verdict in his favour was announced. The charges, relating to his time as mayor in 2008, have expired, and he will face no legal action.

 

The controversy revolves around Itthipol’s decision to illegally grant a construction permit for the Waterfront condominium developed by Bali Hai Co Ltd. The 53-storey luxury condo, located at the base of Phra Tamnak Mountain, has been considered an eyesore by many locals, obstructing panoramic tourist views.

 

Legal action against Itthipol and nine others began on August 3 last year by the Attorney General’s Office. However, the case's 15-year statute of limitations expired on September 10. The ex-minister was facing serious accusations under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, carrying a potential sentence of one to ten years in prison.

 

 

While Itthipol may have escaped jail, the Waterfront complex is still under a demolition order due to its illegal permit, indicating that the battle over the controversial development is not over yet.

 

In a related blow to anti-corruption efforts, the Central Administrative Court has fined the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and its office for withholding investigation results into former deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon's notorious watch collection. Political activist Veera Somkwamkid announced the court's decision, imposing a 5,000-baht fine on each entity for their non-compliance.

 

Separately, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has ordered the confiscation of assets worth 44.6 million baht from a former Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief over corruption allegations.

 

Pattaya City hadi mazumder. Picture courtesy unsplash via Thaiger

 

-- 2024-05-15

 

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[jacko45k]

Another one free to get involved in politics again!

[mikebell]

So all the hollow noises about fighting corruption in Thailand have come to naught?

[Bangkok Barry]

 

I don't understand this statute of limitations nonsense. If a crime has been committed then keep going until a verdict is reached. Why do cases have an expiry date? Suddenly the alleged crime doesn't count anymore? Time's up. Nothing to see here. Move on. Red Bull guy next, only one more charge against him to go before he can arrive back in Thailand with a huge grin on his face., free as a bird after allegedly killing a cop. No court necessary. On your way, son.

[Geoffggi]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The charges, relating to his time as mayor in 2008, have expired, and he will face no legal action.

Hi-So protection clause ........................Sad !!! 🙄😒😒

[Boedog]

The Red Bull guy doesn't own it does he?

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Attending court in Rayong province yesterday, Itthipol left without speaking to the press after the verdict in his favour was announced. The charges, relating to his time as mayor in 2008, have expired, and he will face no legal action.

Drag it out and get off scott free... 

[soalbundy]

34 minutes ago, mikebell said:

So all the hollow noises about fighting corruption in Thailand have come to naught?

5555555 what did you expect? Even the corruption fighters are corrupt. Political leaders world wide have an ego problem and healthy bank accounts, only plebs die for their beliefs.

[Classic Ray]

Statutes of limitation are usually applied to prevent ambushing defendants with surprises many years after an allegation.

 

If the legal action has already started before the limitation applies, there is no ambush and surely the case can proceed to verdict?

[Henryford]

So Pattaya will have to put up with that monstrocity for ever, and no one is held accountable?

[Ironmike]

He's probably friends with our beloved leader Taksin and his sister

[khunjeff]

32 minutes ago, Classic Ray said:

If the legal action has already started before the limitation applies, there is no ambush and surely the case can proceed to verdict?

 

That's my understanding of how this normally works in other countries: the case has to be filed within the period specified by the statute, but once that's happened, it can continue until completion regardless of how long that takes. As our friend Wikipedia says, "Once they are filed, cases do not need to be resolved within the period specified in the statute of limitations." 

[kuzmabruk]

2 hours ago, mikebell said:

So all the hollow noises about fighting corruption in Thailand have come to naught?

All countries have some form of statute of limitations.   In the US for example:

 

For capital crimes, such as the capital murder, there is no statute of limitations (18 USC 3281). . Terrorism is also not subject to any statute of limitations where the offense caused death or serious bodily injury or harm (18 USC 3286).

 

The difference in Thailand seems to be that even if the accused is charged within the time period, the statute of limitations still applies.  Whereas in the US and Canada, the charges must be filed before the limitations expire.  Once charged the case can take irs time to reach a courtroom and a decision.  

[Zack61]

Well this has to be a surprise for everyone. 
Nice to see Jabbah’s watches in the media again. It’s been a while. 

[RandolphGB]

This unfinished condo can't be demolished with explosives. It requires a top down demolition, which will be very delicate due to how close it is to surrounding buildings. There are no Thai engineering companies that have the expertise. It would have to be Japanese. The cost will be millions of dollars. The developer certainly will not be willing to foot the bill and neither will the government. There are no laws to reclaim abandoned or unfinished buildings if the owner is known. 

 

In the mean time, the building is a safety hazard that is slowly crumbling. A few strong storms and chunks of concrete will begin flying off. As usual with Thais, nobody will accept responsibility. Meanwhile, part of one of the country's main tourist destinations continues to look like the remnants of an town in Gaza.

[mstevens]

2 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

 

I don't understand this statute of limitations nonsense. If a crime has been committed then keep going until a verdict is reached. Why do cases have an expiry date? Suddenly the alleged crime doesn't count anymore? Time's up. Nothing to see here. Move on. Red Bull guy next, only one more charge against him to go before he can arrive back in Thailand with a huge grin on his face., free as a bird after allegedly killing a cop. No court necessary. On your way, son.

 

It's a fair point you make. But let's not forget that over time memories of events so long ago are forgotten, documents are lost, all of which would make it very hard for someone to defend charges brought against them.

 

Let's take a totally imaginary situation. The police knock on your door and say you're being arrested and will be charged with statutory rape of a 17-year-old who you met in a bar in 2005 and went on to have sexual relations with. You're going to be wheeled in to court and have to defend yourself in a situation with a person making very serious accusations against you that you simply don't recall. Charge someone in that situation shortly after the event and odds are they'd remember it. Charge them many years later and they might have zero recall and therefore almost zero ability to defend themselves, especially if they had been a voracious bar hound.

[newbee2022]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Itthipol Khunpluem, former Culture Minister and ex-mayor of Pattaya City, has been acquitted in a high-profile luxury condo scandal due to the case reaching its statute of limitations.

 

Attending court in Rayong province yesterday, Itthipol left without speaking to the press after the verdict in his favour was announced. The charges, relating to his time as mayor in 2008, have expired, and he will face no legal action.

 

The controversy revolves around Itthipol’s decision to illegally grant a construction permit for the Waterfront condominium developed by Bali Hai Co Ltd. The 53-storey luxury condo, located at the base of Phra Tamnak Mountain, has been considered an eyesore by many locals, obstructing panoramic tourist views.

 

Legal action against Itthipol and nine others began on August 3 last year by the Attorney General’s Office. However, the case's 15-year statute of limitations expired on September 10. The ex-minister was facing serious accusations under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, carrying a potential sentence of one to ten years in prison.

 

 

 

While Itthipol may have escaped jail, the Waterfront complex is still under a demolition order due to its illegal permit, indicating that the battle over the controversial development is not over yet.

 

In a related blow to anti-corruption efforts, the Central Administrative Court has fined the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and its office for withholding investigation results into former deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon's notorious watch collection. Political activist Veera Somkwamkid announced the court's decision, imposing a 5,000-baht fine on each entity for their non-compliance.

 

Separately, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has ordered the confiscation of assets worth 44.6 million baht from a former Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief over corruption allegations.

 

Pattaya City hadi mazumder. Picture courtesy unsplash via Thaiger

 

-- 2024-05-15

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

So, he's free and the condo will be knocked down. That is all? So if you manage to delay the court case you're a free man? Like Thaksin? Or the Red Bull heir? Oh dear 😳

[paul1804]

2 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

 

I don't understand this statute of limitations nonsense. If a crime has been committed then keep going until a verdict is reached. Why do cases have an expiry date? Suddenly the alleged crime doesn't count anymore? Time's up. Nothing to see here. Move on. Red Bull guy next, only one more charge against him to go before he can arrive back in Thailand with a huge grin on his face., free as a bird after allegedly killing a cop. No court necessary. On your way, son.

So these crooked a-holes can walk free, you can bet your life if he were just a common worker he would be doing time for sure! 

[Bangkok Barry]

23 minutes ago, mstevens said:

 

It's a fair point you make. But let's not forget that over time memories of events so long ago are forgotten, documents are lost, all of which would make it very hard for someone to defend charges brought against them.

 

Let's take a totally imaginary situation. The police knock on your door and say you're being arrested and will be charged with statutory rape of a 17-year-old who you met in a bar in 2005 and went on to have sexual relations with. You're going to be wheeled in to court and have to defend yourself in a situation with a person making very serious accusations against you that you simply don't recall. Charge someone in that situation shortly after the event and odds are they'd remember it. Charge them many years later and they might have zero recall and therefore almost zero ability to defend themselves, especially if they had been a voracious bar hound.

 

Fair argument, but it thar kind of case they'd have to prove the rape took place. At least they would in most places. And that is why, I've read, many women don't report it. Unfortunately.

[IamNoone88]

It went 53 illegal floors up out of the ground before anyone actually did anything about it. 

[Ebumbu]

2 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

 

I don't understand this statute of limitations nonsense. If a crime has been committed then keep going until a verdict is reached. Why do cases have an expiry date? Suddenly the alleged crime doesn't count anymore? Time's up. Nothing to see here. Move on. Red Bull guy next, only one more charge against him to go before he can arrive back in Thailand with a huge grin on his face., free as a bird after allegedly killing a cop. No court necessary. On your way, son.

 

As time passes, it becomes increasingly difficult for the accused to mount a defense. Witnesses might be unavailable, and memories might be unreliable. A statute of limitations protects the accused from having to defend themselves against stale claims where reliable evidence is longer be available.
 

Statutes of limitations encourage law enforcement and prosecutors to act swiftly in investigating and prosecuting crimes. They promote efficiency in the criminal justice system and ensure that cases are resolved while evidence is fresh and witnesses are available. The constant threat of prosecution (that never arrives) or the burden of defending against decades-old accusations would be unfair and punitive to a defendant. 

Edited May 15 by Ebumbu

[firemans35]

When does the red bull guy get to come home?

Edited May 15 by firemans35

[firemans35]

3 hours ago, Classic Ray said:

Statutes of limitation are usually applied to prevent ambushing defendants with surprises many years after an allegation.

 

If the legal action has already started before the limitation applies, there is no ambush and surely the case can proceed to verdict?

My thoughts also

[Gandtee]

How does the song go? It's A Family Affair.' So it doesn't mean he is not guilty? Just too late to charge him because he fled the scene.

[pegman]

2 hours ago, Ironmike said:

He's probably friends with our beloved leader Taksin and his sister

Opposite. His father, the Godfather of Chonburi, AKA Kamnan Poh, was  arrested while a fugitive from a murder conviction sentence by the Yingluck gov. It was the ruling Junta that did not charge the boy mayor and instead made him a gov Minister.

[sumaterani]

16 minutes ago, pegman said:

Opposite. His father, the Godfather of Chonburi, AKA Kamnan Poh, was  arrested while a fugitive from a murder conviction sentence by the Yingluck gov. It was the ruling Junta that did not charge the boy mayor and instead made him a gov Minister.

so basically a dynasty 

[jaywalker2]

4 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

 

I don't understand this statute of limitations nonsense. If a crime has been committed then keep going until a verdict is reached. Why do cases have an expiry date? Suddenly the alleged crime doesn't count anymore? Time's up. Nothing to see here. Move on. Red Bull guy next, only one more charge against him to go before he can arrive back in Thailand with a huge grin on his face., free as a bird after allegedly killing a cop. No court necessary. On your way, son.

Once a person is indicted, the statute of limitations no longer applies. Thai prosecutors deliberately drag out the case to make sure influential people are never indicted.  That's not easy to do. This case had to drag out for 15 years.

[digbeth]

29 minutes ago, pegman said:

Opposite. His father, the Godfather of Chonburi, AKA Kamnan Poh, was  arrested while a fugitive from a murder conviction sentence by the Yingluck gov. It was the ruling Junta that did not charge the boy mayor and instead made him a gov Minister.

They're friends with everybody when it conveniences them

The Chonburi clan has on-again off-again relationship with Taksin's Pheu Tai, during the Junta rule they were alighned with the Junta's party and even had a cabinet seat which they rotated their heir or relatives in, this Pattaya mayor even had a stint as the minister, last election they were with (Thaksin Clan's) Pheu Thai party but lost many seats to the orange party upstart

[digger70]

Free Amid Pattaya Condo Controversy.

 

Pretty smart Dude to String this along for 15 Yrs and a Few Donations I Guess .

[Shetraveler]

5 hours ago, mikebell said:

So all the hollow noises about fighting corruption in Thailand have come to naught?

Sounds like the United States and the two tiered system.