Jailed Thai Gambling King Escapes Assassination Attempt Seeking Justice

[webfact]

 

An imprisoned Thai gambling king, Apirak “Sia Po” Chat-arnon, is seeking justice after a fellow inmate attempted to kill him inside Bang Kwang Central Prison near Bangkok.

 

Lawyer Withun Keng-ngan disclosed the incident during an interview with Channel 3 on July 30. He and Sia Po’s family plan to take the case to the Ministry of Justice, fearing for Sia Po’s life in prison.

 

Withun reported that the assassination attempt occurred earlier this year. Sia Po told his lawyer that an inmate tried to stab him with an iron rod, approximately 1.25 metres long. Thankfully, another inmate intervened, and Sia Po escaped unscathed. Sia Po believes that someone outside the prison orchestrated the attack and hired the perpetrator.

 

Withun also noted unusual circumstances regarding the attacker, who had privileges uncommon among inmates, including possession of a storage room key that should be controlled by prison guards. The attacker claimed his motive was to gain respect from other inmates by killing Sia Po, though both Withun and Sia Po find this explanation questionable.

 

Adding to their grievances, Withun cited concerns over unfair treatment within the prison. He claimed that Sia Po’s family is allowed to visit him only once a week, unlike other inmates who have daily visitations.

 

Sia Po also felt mistreated after coughing up blood, which prison guards dismissed as a ploy using watermelon. Withun asserted that the blood was due to Sia Po’s heavy cigarette smoking before his incarceration.

 

Having failed to contact the prison director, Withun plans to approach the Justice Ministry soon, accompanied by Sia Po’s family.

 

Sia Po was arrested in 2022 and sentenced to over 50 years for gambling operations and money laundering. His sentence was reduced to 20 years, the maximum under Thai law. His wife and some gang members were also charged, while his mother remains at large.

 

TOP: Bang Kwang Central Prison. Picture courtesy Wikipedia

 

 

-- 2024-07-31

 

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[JoePai]

Deserves everthing he gets

[ChrisY1]

Karma...failed this time, but will prevail in the end:)

[2008bangkok]

If his sentence was reduced to 20 years, the maximum under Thai Law how was his original sentence 50 years.

Confusing!!

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, JoePai said:

Deserves everthing he gets

Make yourself a target expect a few incoming shots.

[Liverpool Lou]

4 hours ago, 2008bangkok said:

If his sentence was reduced to 20 years, the maximum under Thai Law how was his original sentence 50 years.

Confusing!!

Multiple charges adding up to 50 years total, then reduced to the maximum

[cowellandrew]

I hope he wasn't serving his sentence in a hospital!😂

 

Withun also noted unusual circumstances regarding the attacker, who had privileges uncommon among inmates

[kidneyw]

13 hours ago, webfact said:

Sia Po also felt mistreated after coughing up blood, which prison guards dismissed as a ploy using watermelon. Withun asserted that the blood was due to Sia Po’s heavy cigarette smoking before his incarceration.

He needs to talk to Thaksin for some pointers.

[john donson]

nice gangster family there