All 14 Defendants in Tak Bai Massacre Cases Flee Country, Senate Committee Reports

[Georgealbert]

 

 

According to police reports submitted to the Senate committee on public participation, human rights, and consumer protection, all 14 defendants and suspects involved in the two Tak Bai massacre cases have left Thailand. The committee, chaired by Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, a prominent human rights defender, received the update as both cases near their expiration on Friday, October 25.

 

Among the high-profile figures is Gen. Pisarn Wattanawongkiri, former Fourth Army Region commander and a former party-list MP of the ruling party, who is believed to have fled to Tokyo. Another suspect is reportedly in London. The remaining 12 are thought to have crossed into neighboring countries, including Laos, via unofficial routes.

 

The Tak Bai massacre, which occurred in 2004, remains a deeply controversial event in Thailand’s history, sparking long-standing calls for justice and accountability. The apparent flight of the defendants just before the cases expire raises further concerns over impunity in human rights cases in the country.

 

This development marks a significant setback for victims and human rights groups who have sought legal resolution for nearly two decades.

 

File picture for reference only.

-- 2024-10-23

 

[Artisi]

What a surprise.

Not really.

Would you expect any other outcome? 

 

No. 

[Denim]

Just a dog and poney show.

 

If the authorities were serious about finally bringing these people to justice they would trace and seize all their assets in Thailand. Land,  homes ,cars etc.

 

As it is they will just return after the statute of limitations and get on with their lives.

[Artisi]

7 minutes ago, Denim said:

Just a dog and poney show.

 

If the authorities were serious about finally bringing these people to justice they would trace and seize all their assets in Thailand. Land,  homes ,cars etc.

 

As it is they will just return after the statute of limitations and get on with their lives.

Seize their assets, come on now - that's a bit over the top, wouldn't want to upset their mates, would they? 

[mikebell]

A (nother) damning  indictment of the oxymoronic Thai Justice system!  The statute of limitations expires TOMORROW so all 14 will return by the weekend; home free.

Edited October 23 by mikebell
rubbish at number memory.

[MartinL]

What's with this Statute of Limitations anyway? Why does such a law exist for major alleged criminal offences? I know I should say "Rescind it now" but that doesn't play to the advantage of the rich and powerful, who seem to be major beneficiaries of this 'get out', does it, so will never happen.

[ChrisY1]

What a comedy.....no bans on travel of course....no passport seizures.....pathetic Thailand and a corrupt judiciary!

[Gottfrid]

20 minutes ago, mikebell said:

A (nother) damning  indictment of the oxymoronic Thai Justice system!  The statute of limitations expires TOMORROW so all 18 will return by the weekend; home free.

14 little pigs went to another country. 4 new ones were born. Back came 18 little pigs.

Ok that was a new one. 😉 

[mikebell]

4 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

14 little pigs went to another country. 4 new ones were born. Back came 18 little pigs.

Ok that was a new one. 😉 

I was an English teacher so my number memory is rubbish.  I've now corrected it.

[watchcat]

19 minutes ago, mikebell said:

I was an English teacher so my number memory is rubbish.  I've now corrected it.

 

Revoke their passportsand, cancel, their pensions and close their bank accounts.

Edited October 23 by watchcat

[JimHuaHin]

Human rights - Thailand = oxymoron.

 

Thailand's security forces have immunity for almost any activity members engage in.

[Artisi]

Don't forget those who were in-charge of the country and the Military at the time - these ar$e holes are just if not than responsible for this appalling event and what followed by allowing it to be dismissed as a trifling non-event and swept under the carpet. 

Just another case of letting the  perpertrater/s escape the justice that is due to them. 

[Artisi]

46 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

Revoke their passportsand, cancel, their pensions and close their bank accounts.

What, and upset their buddies?

[Presnock]

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

 

 

According to police reports submitted to the Senate committee on public participation, human rights, and consumer protection, all 14 defendants and suspects involved in the two Tak Bai massacre cases have left Thailand. The committee, chaired by Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, a prominent human rights defender, received the update as both cases near their expiration on Friday, October 25.

 

Among the high-profile figures is Gen. Pisarn Wattanawongkiri, former Fourth Army Region commander and a former party-list MP of the ruling party, who is believed to have fled to Tokyo. Another suspect is reportedly in London. The remaining 12 are thought to have crossed into neighboring countries, including Laos, via unofficial routes.

 

The Tak Bai massacre, which occurred in 2004, remains a deeply controversial event in Thailand’s history, sparking long-standing calls for justice and accountability. The apparent flight of the defendants just before the cases expire raises further concerns over impunity in human rights cases in the country.

 

This development marks a significant setback for victims and human rights groups who have sought legal resolution for nearly two decades.

 

File picture for reference only.

-- 2024-10-23

 

ANOTHER perfect example of why the Thai government should amend then  laws on statute of limitations on crimes - especially heinous and horrible crimes.  Too many times I have read Thai news about rich and powerful families or military literally getting away with murder.  I realize these perps and others that have had charges dropped due to the statute of limitations, are not actually felons yet and most likely will get away with their crimes.  MHO anyway!

[dinsdale]

1 hour ago, ChrisY1 said:

What a comedy.....no bans on travel of course....no passport seizures.....pathetic Thailand and a corrupt judiciary!

Passport seizures? Passports can be flagged. These guys passports are money and lots of it. Maybe a quick military flight to Myanmar.

[sungod]

They will all be back over the weekend

[watchcat]

56 minutes ago, Artisi said:

Don't forget those who were in-charge of the country and the Military at the time

 

Killer-Tony is still in the country, wonder why he's not among the defendants?

Edited October 23 by watchcat

[shackleton]

Nothing surprises me any more on Thai justice 

It's who you are who you know and 💰 

[Artisi]

Thai justice, only if you pick mushrooms in a national park. 

2 hours ago, shackleton said:

Nothing surprises me any more on Thai justice 

It's who you are who you know and 💰 

 

[Aussie999]

Seems they all read the Redbull book of cowards... any red notices for these cowards 

[John Drake]

Such blatant abuse of the law. Even for Thailand.

[greeneking]

Thailand has been awarded  a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for a three-year term starting on Jan 2025.

In light of this failure to uphold the law could the award be reconsidered?

[Rotweiler]

2 hours ago, Aussie999 said:

Seems they all read the Redbull book of cowards... any red notices for these cowards 

Nah.  Red notices take time - all the departed cowards will be back on Friday.

[connda]

No surprise that they can find asylum in the West.  Genocide is so passe. 

👮‍♂️ "Probably all a misunderstanding. <stamp stamp>  Asylum and a path to citizenship granted." 

[snoop1130]

Race Against Time: Police Pursue Tak Bai Massacre Suspects

 

 

In a determined bid to bring closure to one of Thailand’s most haunting events, National Police Chief Kitrat Phanphet has issued an urgent directive to apprehend suspects linked to the 2004 Tak Bai massacre. With the statute of limitations set to expire on 25th October, authorities face intense pressure to detain those responsible before they slip through the cracks of the justice system.

 

Eighty lives were lost amidst the tumult of a fateful crackdown in Narathiwat province, and only two days remain to ensure that justice is served. Fourteen former officials, including high-ranking military and police generals, are implicated in the tragic incident, with the Narathiwat Provincial Court having already indicted seven.

 

With legal hurdles looming, Police General Kitrat is leaving no stone unturned. His recent visit to Provincial Police Region 9 underscores the urgent pace of the arrest efforts, whilst coordination with Interpol seeks to thwart any attempts by suspects to evade capture by leaving the country.

 

The case has seen arrest warrants issued, but with some fugitives already beyond Thailand's borders, locating them is a daunting task. Even as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai explores legal channels to extend the deadline, Police General Kitrat insists the focus remains squarely on capturing suspects within the current timeframe, sidestepping political distractions.

 

Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong stresses impartiality, assuring that the justice system will not distinguish between state officials and civilians embroiled in legal proceedings. Citizens are urged to aid in locating the suspects, providing vital information to ensure justice does not elude its grasp due to time constraints.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-23

 

 

[Peabody]

Surely, the group that escaped through unauthorized points have broken a law. Charge them when they return this weekend.

 

[edwinchester]

Minimum charge should be 'contempt of court' for ignoring the court summons.

[Dan O]

13 hours ago, ChrisY1 said:

What a comedy.....no bans on travel of course....no passport seizures.....pathetic Thailand and a corrupt judiciary!

The pathetic comedy started long before now. 20 years since the case started and they schedule the trails in the last months before the statute of limitations expires with no action to prevent these guys from knowingly stalling and then leaving the country days before the expiration date only to know they can come back next week with no issues or concerns. 

[BayArea]

the very fact that this case is reappearing a decade or more later is a travesty, but it's the Thailand justice system we're talking about here.

unfortunately, this latest development with all defendants fleeing will not garner much attention from the media and the country as a whole because at its core, most Thai people remembered this tragedy as nationalistic issue. 

bottom line, it's a Buddhist vs Muslim battle for the control of the southern provinces. 

Thai will view the defendants as heroes doing their job to protect the sovereignty of their kingdom. 

[hotchilli]

23 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

According to police reports submitted to the Senate committee on public participation, human rights, and consumer protection, all 14 defendants and suspects involved in the two Tak Bai massacre cases have left Thailand. The committee, chaired by Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, a prominent human rights defender, received the update as both cases near their expiration on Friday, October 25

And Thailand just got a seat on the human rights council.