2 Arrest Warrants Issued In Sondhi Assassination Attempt

[sriracha john]

Sondhi suspect's legal suit against police

Army Master Sergeant Panya Srihaera - wanted over the assassination attempt on media mogul Sondhi Limthongkujl - yesterday filed suit against Deputy National Police Chief Thanee Somboonsap and other police, accusing them of malfeasance (legal impropriety) in office.

Panya, from the Lop Buri Special Warfare Centre but still being sought by police, said he had lost his job because of their accusations against him.

Panya has had his lawyer Banyat Jityen file suit against Thanee, chief investigator of the Sondhi case, and Pol Colonel Wicharnwat Borrirakkul, an investigator with the Metropolitan Police Bureau, accusing them of violating Article 157 and 200 of the Criminal Law.

The suit said Thanee and a team of 10 police in charge of the Sondhi case had accused the defendant of being among suspects in the attempt on Sondhi's life, carrying arms in public places, firing guns in public and attempting premeditated murder, which was not true.

The suit said on the day the incident took place, Panya was with a committee making and offering robes and other needs to monks at Wat Din Daeng in Trat's Khao Saming District. It said the defendant had been fired from office as a result of the police accusations, and his family had been humiliated.

The suit said the defendant would surrender to police for a preliminary hearing after his safety had been ensured. The Criminal Court accepted the suit and scheduled the hearing for October 5.

Banyat said he met Panya at a restaurant in Bangkok's Pracha Chuen area after his relatives asked him to represent him in the case. Panya promised he would surrender to face charges before the preliminary hearing.

Banyat said he would summon four witnesses to the preliminary hearing to prove Panya was at the merit-making ceremony chaired by General Chetta Thanajaro. He said he had photos and VCDs of Panya at the ceremony, which would be presented to the court.

-- The Nation 2009-08-04

[sriracha john]

Sondhi suspect's lawsuit rejected

The Criminal Court on Tuesday rejected a lawsuit filed on behalf of a fugitive suspect in the attempted murder of People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul against police officers handling the investigation.

A lawyer filed the case on Monday on behalf of Sgt-Maj Panya Srihera, until recently a member of the Special Warfare Command in Lop Buri. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. The suit named deputy police chief Gen Thanee Somboonsap, who heads the investigation, and Pol Col Vicharnvat Borirakkul of the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

Sgt-Maj Panya accused the two officers of malfeasance and abuse of authority in their investigation into the April 17 attack on Mr Sondhi, leading to him facing criminal charges and having been dismissed from military service. The court dismissed the lawsuit on the grounds that Pol Gen Thanee and Pol Col Vicharnvat, as investigators, were empowered by Articles 2 and 131 of the Criminal Procedures Code to gather evidence in the case in order to identify the perpetrators of the attack.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/15...awsuit-rejected

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-04

[sriracha john]

Police boss vows to tough it out

National Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon on Monday said he had no intention to leave the job before his scheduled retirement from the Royal Thai Police on Sept 30. Police General Patcharawat, who will go to China on official business for about 10 days and then take leave until the end of the month, said he would not resign or take early retirement.

PM names caretaker Police Chief

Patcharawat insists on working

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday named Police General Wichien Potposri as caretaker Police Chief for the 10 days that the incumbent, Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, is on leave.

Abhisit said Wichien, a senior adviser at the National Police Office, was an appropriate choice because there has been some public concern about the handling of some important cases at this juncture.

Patcharawat, who will be visiting China over the next few days, had been under intense pressure to step aside after investigation into the attempt on Sondhi Limtrongkul's life ran into obstacles.

The Police Chief, the younger brother of Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, is also due to appear before the National Anti-Corruption Commission today to clarify his role in the action taken against anti-government protesters last October.

Patcharawat, who went to work as usual yesterday, insisted that he would keep working until he retires this October.

With regard to Wichien, police sources said the senior officer has been relatively impartial in handling politically related events so there is a chance that he could be made National Police Chief once Patcharawat retires.

According to the National Police Office regulations, the prime minister is empowered to name a caretaker National Police Chief when the incumbent is incapable of doing his duty or is on leave.

If the post were to be given based on seniority, it should go to Police General Prieopan Damapong, a Deputy National Police Chief, who is the senior-most officer. However, Prieopan is the older brother of Pojaman, the ex-wife of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, and is current on assignment at provincial police units.

-- The Nation 2009-08-05

[sriracha john]

Court dismisses suit against police investigating Sondhi case

BANGKOK, Aug 4 (TNA) - Thailand's Criminal Court on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit against the chief of the police investigation team and another investigator lodged by a non-commissioned army officer wanted in connection with the attempted murder of People's Alliance for Democracy key leader Sondhi Limthongkul in April.

A lawyer representing Sgt-Maj 1st Class Panya Srirao on Monday filed the suit against Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Thani Somboonsap, a chief investigator of Sondhi case, and Pol Col Vicharnwat Bhodirakkul, an investigator, for malfeasance.

The two senior police officers were accused of filing false charges against Sgt-Maj Panya resulting in him being issued an arrest warrant and being dismissed from military service.

The court however dismissed the plaintiff’s suit, reasoning that the two investigators have full authority to carry out an investigation and collect all possible evidence to find a culprit and to prove their guilt or innocence.

The court said, according to collected evidence, the plaintiff was a suspect in the attempted killing of Mr Sondhi, the investigators therefore asked the court to issue arrest warrants for the suspect and the court then approved their request.

The two defendants have carried out their duties under the law, the court said, adding that the investigators have done nothing wrong as accused by the plaintiff. So the court dismissed the case.

The court earlier issued an arrest warrant against Sgt-Maj Panya, a non-com from the Army’s Special Warfare Command in Lop Buri, and Pol Cpl Worawut Mungsanthi, assigned to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) for involvement in the killing attempt of key leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) Sondhi on April 17.

The two suspects however are still at large and refused to surrender to police, citing fears for their safety and projected unfair treatment while in police custody.

-- TNA 2009-08-04

[sriracha john]

Wichien won't interfere in Sondhi case

Acting National Police Chief Wichien Pojphosri has insisted he will not interfere with the police investigation of the Sondhi shooting case. "I've told Deputy National Police Chief Thanee Somboonsap that I am ready to facilitate his work, but I will not get involved in the investigation, as he is capable and an expert in this area," Pol Gen Wichien said on Wednesday.

Pol Gen Wichien, who is acting Chief while Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon takes 10 days leave, said he had talked to the police chief before he left on a trip to China in the morning. "Pol Gen Patcharawat told me that he is happy that I'm covering for him," the acting police chief said.

He said Pol Gen Patcharawat would return to Thailand on Monday and report to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. "I'm just acting as the police chief for a few days," Pol Gen Wichien said. There will be a meeting of high-ranking police officials on Friday, he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/15...-in-sondhi-case

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-05

Edited August 5, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Police Chief Hopes to Stay in Office Further

The National Police Chief is scheduled to testify with the anti-graft panel over his alleged malfeasance stemming from the violent crackdown on the People's Alliance for Democracy protesters after he returns from his trip to China. He believes he will not be removed from his post.

Prior to flying to China this morning, national police chief Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan said his 10-day visit is aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two countries and raising the issue of international crime, particularly the narcotics problem.

Patcharawat said he has instructed his interim replacement, Police General Wichein Podposri , to uphold unity in the police agency and follow the polices that are in place.

Patcharawat insisted that at the recent meeting of the Police Commission, it did not consider transfers of 152 police generals but did look into reassignments as required by the restructuring plan.

He expressed confidence that he will not be dismissed as police chief when he returns from China but admitted that an appointment of his acting successor by the Prime Minister is lawful.

The police chief gave assurance that his absence will cause no problems at the Police Commission's meeting and expected that no politicians will meddle in the reshuffle of high-ranking police officers. He said that he and his close aides are not involved in post-buying in the police force.

Patcharawat went on to say that after returning from China, he will testify with the National Anti-Corruption Commission over his alleged malfeasance stemming from the violent police crackdown on the People's Alliance for Democracy rally outside the Parliament House last October.

As for the investigation into the attempt on the life of the People's Alliance for Democracy core leader Sondhi Limthomgkul, the embattled police chief said that deputy police chief Police General Thani Sombunsap is doing his utmost and insisted that his presence or absence has no bearing on the case.

He also said he has never been concerned about a group of people who aim at undermining his position in the police agency.

-- Tan Network 2009-08-05

[sriracha john]

Chief Investigator of Sondhi's Case Worries about Safety of Suspect

The Deputy National Police Chief has advised the suspect in the assassination attempt against the core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy to turn himself into investigators, as he could be killed in an effort to keep him silent.

Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Thani Somboonsap, this afternoon, spent an hour in a meeting with the investigation team responsible for the assassination attempt case against core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy Sondhi Limthongkul.

Police General Thani revealed that the investigation into the case has been progressing well as the probe team has held meetings every day since this Monday.

However, the investigators still have no plan to seek arrest warrants for more suspects or to summon the lawyer for one of the suspects, Sergeant Panya Sri-hera who filed a lawsuit against Police General Thani.

Police General Thani has also advised another fugitive suspect Lance Corporal Worrawuth Mungsanti to turn himself in as he could be killed to keep him silent.

Meanwhile a pick up truck owned by the Department of Special Investigation has been transferred by the Scientific Crime Detection Division for examination after it was believed to have been used by Lance Corporal Worrawuth in the attack against Sondhi.

Police General Thani also revealed that acting National Police Chief, Police General Wichein Podposri delivered him some policies, given priority by the Prime Minister, particularly the speedy investigation into Sondhi's case at their meeting today.

-- Tan Network 2009-08-05

[sriracha john]

Brother of Thaksin's ex-wife Potjaman, Police General Prieopan Damapong

Prieopan upset at missing out

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday dismissed concern about a potential lawsuit related to his decision to name the acting police chief, arguing his justification in selecting General Wichien Potposri over General Prieopan Damapong.

"I strictly followed Article 72 of the Police Act in naming the acting police chief and Wichien was the senior-most officer, elevated to the full rank of general before his peers," he said.

Abhisit said his endorsement for Wichien was based on suitability for the job as well as seniority.

He ruled out an allegation Wichien was barred from entering the grounds of palaces. The issue arose when Wichien was transferred back to the Royal Thai Police following his tour of duty with the Royal Palace - but was already resolved, he said. His privilege of working within the palace grounds was cancelled during the transfer process.

Prieopan, an in-law of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, said he felt he'd been victimised after Wichien bypassed him to get the job. Under the police chain of command, he was the most senior deputy chief, second only to national police chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan.

He could not understand why his seniority had been overlooked - he was acting police chief 22 times when Patcharawat was absent from duty.

During the Surayud Chulanont government, he said he twice missed promotion because he was unfairly seconded from the police service to Government House.

As Patcharawat approaches retirement in September, Prieopan said he was once again being victimised, as evidenced by Wichien's bypassing of him.

He said he would fight for justice, but stopped short of saying if he would sue Abhisit.

Patcharawat blamed a political conspiracy to deny him his due promotion. He said he had never ridden on Thaksin's coattails to advance his career. He pleaded for a fair review of his performance instead of sidelining him because of the politics related to his family ties.

-- The Nation 2009-08-07

[Thai at Heart]

Am I missing something when a person says that they will present themselves to answer an arrest warrant? Isn't the point that once a warrant is issued, the police are supposed to go and find the people?

Are these arrest warrants or requests to report?

As for someone getting fired because a warrant is issued, isn't that illegal?

[animatic]

Am I missing something when a person says that they will present themselves to answer an arrest warrant? Isn't the point that once a warrant is issued, the police are supposed to go and find the people?

Are these arrest warrants or requests to report?

As for someone getting fired because a warrant is issued, isn't that illegal?

TIT. Our rules of order are irrelevant here.

So Thaksin's Bro In Law is upset because he didn't get the keys to the gun locker all to himself?

Well he is hand in glove with a whole clan with 2.2 billion baht on the line right now,

and other clan members are calling for insurrection if the petition isn't handed in.

The police are enough of a loose cannon any way, there's no chance the powers that be will

hand the whole police force to a direct enemy of theirs... it would be madness at this juncture.

There may have been a divorce on paper, but this amount of money is thicker than ANY piece of paper.

They will save the currently recalcitrant Pol. Generals face, and slide a equally high up into the slot,

but Thaksin's team has little chance of taking the reigns of ANY force of arms here this year.

Sue for the police list all you like, but hold no hope... Unless they take it by force...

which maybe their idea, and explains why this guy didn't get the nod.

Oh here, please take this gun, and shoot me, my pleasure... NOT!

Edited August 7, 2009 by animatic

[Thai at Heart]

Am I missing something when a person says that they will present themselves to answer an arrest warrant? Isn't the point that once a warrant is issued, the police are supposed to go and find the people?

Are these arrest warrants or requests to report?

As for someone getting fired because a warrant is issued, isn't that illegal?

TIT. Our rules of order are irrelevant here.

So Thaksin's Bro In Law is upset because he didn't get the keys to the gun locker all to himself?

Well he is hand in glove with a whole clan with 2.2 billion baht on the line right now,

and other clan members are calling for insurrection if the petition isn't handed in.

The police are enough of a loose cannon any way, there's no chance the powers that be will

hand the whole police force to a direct enemy of theirs... it would be madness at this juncture.

There may have been a divorce on paper, but this amount of money is thicker than ANY piece of paper.

They will save the currently recalcitrant Pol. Generals face, and slide a equally high up into the slot,

but Thaksin's team has little chance of taking the reigns of ANY force of arms here this year.

Sue for the police list all you like, but hold no hope... Unless they take it by force...

which maybe their idea, and explains why this guy didn't get the nod.

Oh here, please take this gun, and shoot me, my pleasure... NOT!

I was just thinking that an arrest warrant should probably wake the BIB from their slumber and actually chase someone.

[sriracha john]

Priewpan angered by 'snub'

Deputy National Police Chief Police General Priewpan Damapong has expressed outrage over the appointment of Police General Wichien Pojphosri as caretaker Police Chief.

The officer yesterday said the snub could deprive him of a chance at the police force's top job. Police General Priewpan said Police General Wichien's appointment indicated possible tampering with the coming annual reshuffle in which a new police chief would be named.

Police General Priewpan, an elder brother of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's ex-wife Potjaman. He said, "I will fight, definitely. And I will not be fighting with police, but politicians."

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2159...-angered-by-nub

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-07

[sriracha john]

Suspect in Sondhi's Case Files Suit against Chief Investigator

Sergeant Panya Srihera, formerly of the Special Warfare Unit in Lop Buri and a suspect in the assassination case against People's Alliance for Democracy

Panya submitted evidence to accompany his suit, arguing that he was not in Bangkok when Sondhi was attacked on April 17.

The evidence comprised photos showing him taking part in a merit-making rite at Din Daeng Temple in Trat province, with former Defence Minister General Chetta Thanajaro presiding over the ceremony.

Temple Unsupportive of Alibi by Suspect in Sondhi Case

A Buddhist temple in Trat says it cannot confirm that a suspect in the assassination attempt against the core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy joined its merit-making event on the day of the attack in April as he has claimed.

Representative of Din Daeng Temple in Trat province, Prasarn Nujjarin, said he could not confirm if Sergeant Panya Srihera participated in the monk robe-offering ceremony on April 17, the day of the attack on the People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul took place in Bangkok.

Panya has been issued an arrest warrant for possible involvement in the case.

In his complaint of malfeasance against the chief investigator of the case, Police General Thani Sombunsap, Panya claimed his alleged involvement in the crime was implausible as he joined religious activities at Din Daeng Temple on the same day Sondhi was attacked.

Prasarn said no one at the ceremony knew Sergeant Panya.

He added the ceremony was hosted by former leader of Chart Thai Pattana Party, General Chetta Thanajaro, his wife, and a number of military officers.

What is noteworthy is that the previous abbot of the temple, Phra Thanom, disappeared two weeks after the ceremony while his pictures taken during the event also went missing. He was said to have moved to Sa Kaeo province.

Meanwhile, current abbot Luangpoh Jeen Buddhasaro said he knew nothing about the fugitive suspect because he just moved to the temple in late April.

-- Tan Network 2009-08-07

[sriracha john]

Deputy police chief says Sondhi case probe making progress

BANGKOK, Aug 8 (TNA) - The ongoing police investigation into the attempted killing of media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul earlier this year has made considerable progress as investigators are working actively again, said Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Thani Somboonsap on Saturday.

Gen Thani, who briefed Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on the case for more than one hour earlier in the day, told journalists that he doesn’t yet know whether more arrest warrants will be sought in the attempted murder of Mr. Sondhi, a core leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on April 17.

The court earlier issued a warrant for Sgt-Maj Panya Srihaera a non-commissioned officer from the Army’s Special Warfare Command in Lop Buri and Pol Cpl Worawut Mungsanthi, assigned to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) for involvement in the failed killing attempt.

Both men, however, are still at large.

Cpl Worawut earlier sent a letter to Gen Thani denying any involvement in the killing attempt.

Pol Gen Thani said he was optimistic that the case could be wrapped up before he retires from his post, scheduled from this October 1 due to compulsory retirement age of 60.

He declined to say whether the annual reshuffle list of 152 police generals, proposed by National Police Chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, who also retires at end of September, and approved earlier by Police Commission, would have any effect on the investigation.

The police investigation team probing the Sondhi incident earlier complained of difficulties in conducting the case as information had been leaked by unnamed police officers.

-- TNA 2009-08-08

[Scott]

So the abbot of the Wat where the suspect was supposedly at isn't there anymore? Is there no honor in the country? Is nothing sacred? Guess not.

[sriracha john]

Sondhi case back on the rails

The police investigation into the Sondhi Limthongkul shooting case has made considerable progress as investigators work actively again following the appointment of caretaker National Police Chief, the head investigator said yesterday.

Deputy National Police Chief General Thanee Somboonsap said that he was optimistic the case could be wrapped up before his mandatory retirement at the end of September.

Thanee said his team had made much progress in the case since last Monday and all members of the team were working hard in order to wrap it up.

The police general yesterday briefed Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on the case for more than one hour at Government House. He told reporters afterwards that he had reported the progress in the case to the prime minister.

The chief investigator had earlier publicly said his team had made little progress because some had been threatened by unnamed influential figures and others had leaked secret information.

Thanee declined to say whether the annual reshuffle list of 152 police generals, proposed by national police chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan and approved by Police Commission would have any impact on the investigation.

Patcharawat is on leave of absence, and General Vichien Pojphosri has been appointed caretaker police chief.

Police will next week issue more arrest warrants for suspects in the assassination attempt on Sondhi Limthongkul, who is also a core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, Police Maj-General Sumeth Ruangsuwat said yesterday.

He said the investigators were gathering important incriminating evidence in order to seek court approval for arrest warrants for more suspects. He declined to elaborate on how many warrants there were and who they were for.

The court earlier issued arrest warrants for Sgt-Major Panya Srihaera from the Army's Special Warfare Command in Lop Buri, and Police Corporal Worawut Mungsanthi, assigned to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, for involvement in the failed assassination. Both are still at large.

Worawut wrote earlier to Thanee denying any involvement. His lawyer also filed suit against the investigative team for defamation, but the suit was rejected by the court.

-- The Nation 2009-08-09

[sriracha john]

'My duty is ended' : Acting police chief

Acting police chief Pol Gen Wichien Pojprosri said Monday that he is no longer in the temporary post as incumbent Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan returned from his trip to China.

Gen Patcharawat returned to Thailand on Sunday, five days ahead of his official leave of absence. The police chief is scheduled to return from his China trip on August 14. He is expected to report to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva or Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban before resuming duty. Gen Patcharawat also reportedly went to his office early Monday morning, but spent only five minutes there before leaving.

Gen Wichien said as Gen Patcharawat has returned to Thailand, his duty as acting police chief has completed. He said from now on Gen Patcharawat would oversee the police annual reshuffle list, from deputy commissioner to non-commissioned officers.

Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Suthep declined to comment on the early return because he has received no official confirmation letter about the return from the police chief. Suthep said he would wait for the letter before informing the mater to the prime minister.

Gen Wichien was appointed by Prime Minister Abhisist as acting police chief only last Tuesday following the 10-day leave of Gen Patcharawat. Abhisit said the absence was initiated by the police chief himself reportedly to smooth some minor obstacles to the police investigation of the attempted killing of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul on April 17.

Rumours swirled during the past week that Gen Patcharawat would be transferred to an inactive post after the Sondhi investigation team complained that they encountered difficulties in conducting the case as information had been leaked by unnamed police officers.

-- The Nation 2009-08-10

[animatic]

Man, the money changing hands back stage must be MASSIVE.

Wouldn't that be better stated

The Sondhi investigation is 'Back on track'

Of course now that the Chief on leave is NOT on leave

the Sondhi case is now 'On the rails', as in puking over the side into the sea.

[sriracha john]

Court issues another warrant in Sondhi case

BANGKOK, Aug 10 (TNA) - Thailand’s Criminal Court on Monday issued an arrest warrant for a new suspect in the attempt on the life of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul.

Mr Sondhi, a veteran media entrepreneur and political activist who played a key role in campaigning to oust then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, culminating in the September 2006 coup d’etat, survived a serious attempt to kill him in an April 17 ambush.

The court approved a warrant for Segeant Somchai Bunnag, from the Special Warfare Command at Erawan Camp in Lop Buri, the same military camp of another suspect who was earlier the subject of an arrest warrant.

All three suspects face related charges in the attempted killing, including the possession of firearms and explosives in a public place without official permission.

The court earlier issued arrest warrants for two non-commissioned officers for their alleged involvement in the attempt on Mr. Sondhi’s life.

The two suspects still at large are identified as Sgt-Maj.1st Class Panya Sri-hrao, a non-commissioned officer from the Special Warfare Command in Lop Buri and Pol. Cpl. Worawut Mungsanthi, assigned to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) in Bangkok.

Pol Cpl Worawut earlier sent a letter to Pol Gen Thanee denying involvement in the attack. While a lawyer representing Sgt-Maj 1st Class Panya filed the suit against investigators for malfeasance but the criminal court dismissed the case, saying that investigators have full authority to carry out an investigation and collect all possible evidence to find a culprit and to prove their guilt or innocence.

-- TNA 2009-08-10

[sriracha john]

Priewpan angered by 'snub'

Deputy National Police Chief Police General Priewpan Damapong has expressed outrage over the appointment of Police General Wichien Pojphosri as caretaker Police Chief.

Police General Priewpan, an elder brother of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's ex-wife Potjaman.

Priewpan's tears take nepotism to new levels

Political drama is continuing in the Police Department, with police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan returning from his controversial leave abroad yesterday. But few of the stories remaining to unfold could compare to last week's emotional scene involving Police General Priewpan Damapong, which, while correctly representing many of the ills of Thailand's political and bureaucratic systems, was bizarre to say the least.

Claiming he was a victim of political discrimination, the ex-brother-in-law of Thaksin Shinawatra tearfully questioned Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva about the naming of an acting police chief.

Priewpan believed that, despite his unrivaled seniority, he missed out on the promotion because of his ties to the ousted former leader.

There are many political lessons that could be learned from Priewpan's dramatic press interview. The biggest concerns the law of nepotism: What goes around comes around, and if you benefited when things were going your way, you should accept it with dignity when they don't.

Priewpan was a low-key police officer until his brother-in-law Thaksin came to power in 2001.

Just before the Thaksin government declared a "war on drugs", the then prime minister handpicked his brother-in-law to head the Narcotics Suppression Bureau.

In the police corridors, that meant that Priewpan was being groomed for the position of national police chief, as part of Thaksin's alleged plan to consolidate power through domination of the police service.

And although Priewpan brought some sort of embarrassment to the government with his botched operation to arrest a northern drug kingpin, who subsequently won an acquittal, he received Thaksin's blessing to bypass all senior police commissioners to get to the position of assistant national police chief.

That particular promotion came at the expense of such crime-busters as Police General Seripisut Temiyavej, whose career was sidelined to pave the way for Priewpan's rise, and Police General Wongkot Maneerin, a police cadet classmate of Thaksin.

Amid the eruption of street protests against Thaksin's controversial leadership, Priewpan was again put on a fast-track promotion to become deputy national police chief, although it was, at that time, an unprecedented move to twice elevate him within a year.

That prompted accusations that Thaksin was pushing to install his in-law as the police chief in an attempt to reverse his political predicament.

The 2006 coup shattered the dreams of Thaksin and Priewpan both, ending the heavy politicisation of the police force. But the coup, for all its evils, served to prove that too much nepotism can burn your fingers.

What Thaksin did to the military was not much different from what happened to the police. He hauled his cousin Chaiyasit Shinawatra over the heads of all prime candidates for the Army Chief post and installed him in the most powerful position in complete disregard of all criticism.

Conflicts over the deep South, however, later diluted the two men's blood ties and Chaiyasit was finally "kicked upstairs" to become supreme commander.

After that, Thaksin seemed hel_l-bent on doing another "Chaiyasit". His cadet classmate Pornchai Kranlert was "lobbed" from the Armed Forces Development Command to land within striking distance of the Army commander-in-chief post. However, Pornchai's lack of seniority meant that he first needed to be groomed, and had to wait as Army deputy commander-in-chief.

Thaksin needed a fill-in. After much manoeuvring, the name of Sonthi Boonyaratglin was selected as the final option. But the stand-in Army chief led a coup before Thaksin could re-consolidate his control over the military.

Police General Priewpan couldn't possibly have forgotten that nepotism was at its worst during the Thaksin era.

And it didn't just happen to the military and the police. The business sector and the civil service were also heavily influenced by the then prime minister's connections.

This is why there was so little resistance when his ex-wife Pojaman wanted to buy a lucrative, government-auctioned plot of land at Ratchadaphisek, and why government officials rose up one after another to defend the conspicuous use of nominees in the controversial, tax-free Temasek deal.

This is not to say that nepotism was not there before Thaksin or that it disappeared after he was ousted. What is deplorable is the scale of what happened during his time.

It has created a wrong political manual on how to hold on to power. After years of being relatively free from politics, the military is now heavily politicised, although to be fair to Thaksin, the politicisation had much to do with the coup that ousted him. The police, far less politicised previously, have since been totally shrouded in political intrigue.

Priewpan's tears, therefore, make us sad for a different reason.

They amplify the truth about nepotism in this country, telling us how it has become so sinister that men like him have the audacity to cry foul about it.

-- The Nation Editorial 2009-08-11

[Thai at Heart]

Court issues another warrant in Sondhi case

BANGKOK, Aug 10 (TNA) - Thailand’s Criminal Court on Monday issued an arrest warrant for a new suspect in the attempt on the life of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul.

Mr Sondhi, a veteran media entrepreneur and political activist who played a key role in campaigning to oust then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, culminating in the September 2006 coup d’etat, survived a serious attempt to kill him in an April 17 ambush.

The court approved a warrant for Segeant Somchai Bunnag, from the Special Warfare Command at Erawan Camp in Lop Buri, the same military camp of another suspect who was earlier the subject of an arrest warrant.

All three suspects face related charges in the attempted killing, including the possession of firearms and explosives in a public place without official permission.

The court earlier issued arrest warrants for two non-commissioned officers for their alleged involvement in the attempt on Mr. Sondhi’s life.

The two suspects still at large are identified as Sgt-Maj.1st Class Panya Sri-hrao, a non-commissioned officer from the Special Warfare Command in Lop Buri and Pol. Cpl. Worawut Mungsanthi, assigned to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) in Bangkok.

Pol Cpl Worawut earlier sent a letter to Pol Gen Thanee denying involvement in the attack. While a lawyer representing Sgt-Maj 1st Class Panya filed the suit against investigators for malfeasance but the criminal court dismissed the case, saying that investigators have full authority to carry out an investigation and collect all possible evidence to find a culprit and to prove their guilt or innocence.

-- TNA 2009-08-10

I may be barking up the wrong tree here, but is Somchai Bunnag related to Tej?

[sriracha john]

Priewpan angered by 'snub'

Deputy National Police Chief Police General Priewpan Damapong has expressed outrage over the appointment of Police General Wichien Pojphosri as caretaker Police Chief.

Police General Priewpan, an elder brother of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's ex-wife Potjaman.

Priewpan's tears take nepotism to new levels

Priewpan was a low-key police officer until his brother-in-law Thaksin came to power in 2001.

Just before the Thaksin government declared a "war on drugs", the then prime minister handpicked his brother-in-law to head the Narcotics Suppression Bureau.

In the police corridors, that meant that Priewpan was being groomed for the position of national police chief, as part of Thaksin's alleged plan to consolidate power through domination of the police service.

That prompted accusations that Thaksin was pushing to install his in-law as the police chief in an attempt to reverse his political predicament.

What Thaksin did to the military was not much different from what happened to the police. He hauled his cousin Chaiyasit Shinawatra over the heads of all prime candidates for the Army Chief post and installed him in the most powerful position in complete disregard of all criticism.

Vintage Thaksin scheming... having his clan as the Heads of the Army AND Police.

[sriracha john]

'My duty is ended' : Acting police chief

Acting police chief Pol Gen Wichien Pojprosri said Monday that he is no longer in the temporary post as incumbent Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan returned from his trip to China.

Gen Patcharawat returned to Thailand on Sunday, five days ahead of his official leave of absence. The police chief is scheduled to return from his China trip on August 14. He is expected to report to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva or Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban before resuming duty. Gen Patcharawat also reportedly went to his office early Monday morning, but spent only five minutes there before leaving.

Gen Wichien said as Gen Patcharawat has returned to Thailand, his duty as acting police chief has completed.

Patcharawat decides to continue his leave

PM: No need for acting police boss to step aside

National Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon has decided to continue his leave from office after returning home early from a trip to China. It was widely speculated Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva asked Pol Gen Patcharawat to take leave for 10 days until Aug 14 to clear the way for the investigation into the attempt on the life of Sondhi Limthongkul, a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

The government has reportedly come under pressure from the PAD to dismiss Pol Gen Patcharawat for alleged interference in the investigation. Mr Abhisit said yesterday the police chief had agreed to resume his leave on Thursday so there was no need to ask the acting National Police Chief to step aside.

Mr Abhisit said Pol Gen Patcharawat planned to visit the South on Thursday so Pol Gen Wichien Pojphosri would stay on as acting chief.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2182...tinue-his-leave

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-11

Edited August 11, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Warrant out for third Sondhi case suspect

A warrant has been issued for a third suspect in the attempted assassination of People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul.

The Criminal Court has approved a warrant for the arrest of Sgt Somchai Bunnag, of the Special Warfare Command, a police source said.

Arrest warrants were issued on July 14 for Sgt Maj Panya Srihera, a former non-commissioned officer attached to the same army unit in Lop Buri, and Pol Cpl Worawut Mungsanthi, of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, for their suspected involvement in the shooting. Both men are still at large.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2182...hi-case-suspect

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-11

[sriracha john]

Another Warrant out for 3rd Suspect in Sondhi Case

The investigating officers in the case of the attempted assassination of PAD leader, Sondhi Limthongkul, acquired another arrest warrant for the third suspect.

The investigation team in the Sondhi case revealed that they acquired an arrest warrant from the Criminal Court for Sergeant Somchai Bunnag who serves in the third Special Force Regiment at Erawan base in Lop Buri province.

Five serious charges has been filed against him and if he is found guilty of these charges he will likely be given at least a 20 year sentence.

The charges include conspiring to commit a premeditated murder, unauthorized possession of firearms and explosives in a residential area without good reason, discharging a firearm in public places, and criminal association.

Sergeant Somchai, the latest suspect to be implicated in the attempt on Sondhi's life, serves in the same unit as Sergeant Major Panya Srihera, another suspect in this case.

The police said phone call logs revealed that Somchai was involved in the attempted assassination. They also discovered that Sergeant Somchai has been in hiding since the arrest warrant for Sergeant Major Panya was issued.

This morning the deputy national police chief, General Thani Sombunsap will have a meeting with the investigation team to discuss the handling of this case.

The first suspect implicated in this case was Police Corporal Worawut Mungsanthi. Both the first and second suspects have yet to turn themselves in to police.

Recently Police Corporal Worawut sent a letter asking for justice to Police General Thani while the lawyer for the second suspect, Sergeant Major Panya submitted a lawsuit against Police General Thani and his team for wrongfully issuing a warrant and misconduct in framing him for criminal offense. However, the court dismissed his request.

Panya's lawyer, Bunyat Jityen, has sought an appeal by the Supreme Court to overturn the dismissal by the Criminal Court.

Bunyat disclosed that his client was at a Buddhist ceremony in Trat province at the time when the attempted assassination took place as Panya co-hosted the ceremony. Banyat has enclosed two photographs as evidence to confirm that Panya was indeed in Trat when the assassination attempt took place with his appeal submission. The court will rule in this matter within three days.

-- Tan Network 2009-08-11

[Samuian]

I would not be surprised if it they are found somewhere after an accident...dead of course!

[hammered]

The interesting thing here is at what level the warrants and names will stop coming out. Obviously they wont go right to the top.

[Samuian]

So the abbot of the Wat where the suspect was supposedly at isn't there anymore? Is there no honor in the country? Is nothing sacred? Guess not.

as long as it serves a purpose, the purpose is sacred ! (to some!)

and besides amidst als this...has National Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon

any connection to Mr.Somchai Wongsuwon Mr.Thaksins Cousin,

any connection to Brother of Thaksin's ex-wife Potjaman Damapong,

Police General Prieopan Damapong who recently complained about not being "promoted"?

all just coincidental - sure it is - all "honest mistakes" and if someone

dares to think otherwise or sees any connection he is part of the

"elite Conspiracy" against "St.Thaksin and his ulterior motives f

or the poor and welfare of the Nation, as the audience got a little

preview on Songkran Day in Bangkok this year and on several other

locations as at the Royal Cliff Hotel in Pattaya?

Or the performance of the Rak Chiang Mai 51 troupe on several other occasions,

the special performance branch of "Udon Lovers"...?

All outstanding samples of what could be in store, if the stage could be set, regarding

the initial script!

If Plan a.) doesn't work, Plan b.) will be in for the performance, if not.... plan c.) if not Plan d.)

... if the actors are allowed to perform at will - it will go the whole nine yards... and no one knows

where the end of this dark and blood soaked tunnel will ever be...

Prevention is way better then cure!

And yeah in the mean time taken to the next level already -

now the abbot has "gone"...well, well, well another "unfortunate" coincidence,

accidentally related to someone on the "list"?

These are the charades "the man" has been pulling since.... Phalang Dhamma times?

At least since 1994 when he founded the TRT!

Edited August 12, 2009 by Samuian

[animatic]

Priewpan angered by 'snub'

Deputy National Police Chief Police General Priewpan Damapong has expressed outrage over the appointment of Police General Wichien Pojphosri as caretaker Police Chief.

Police General Priewpan, an elder brother of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's ex-wife Potjaman.

Priewpan's tears take nepotism to new levels

Priewpan was a low-key police officer until his brother-in-law Thaksin came to power in 2001.

Just before the Thaksin government declared a "war on drugs", the then prime minister handpicked his brother-in-law to head the Narcotics Suppression Bureau.

In the police corridors, that meant that Priewpan was being groomed for the position of national police chief, as part of Thaksin's alleged plan to consolidate power through domination of the police service.

That prompted accusations that Thaksin was pushing to install his in-law as the police chief in an attempt to reverse his political predicament.

What Thaksin did to the military was not much different from what happened to the police. He hauled his cousin Chaiyasit Shinawatra over the heads of all prime candidates for the Army Chief post and installed him in the most powerful position in complete disregard of all criticism.

Vintage Thaksin scheming... having his clan as the Heads of the Army AND Police.

You do realize this is what prompted the coup?

Thaksin himself was moving piece's into place in a long term game plan for a coup of his own making.

The time table was accelerated, unintentionally, and too early, by the Temasek uproar, and the failed snap election.

Thaksin started getting desperate, particularly as Sondhi was making his noises WAY too loud,

and as the approaching September Army and Police reshuffles were hoped for enough critical mass to stave off

a preemptive move, more moves were made. The sham-assassination / bombing was another in these moves,

hoping for an S.O.E and political capital, it was done so poorly it never got traction and warned his enemies.

A coup was staged while his hands were away from the levers, and his status was lowered to Care Taker,

pending another attempt at a working election, minus his bent Election Commission cronies.

Thaksin's maneuvers were originally to place his clan in critical places, should a all too sad major event happen.

It happily has not happened, but the players are still moving pieces on the board.

Much of it remove the Thaksin tentacles he salted around for too long.

This Priapussy's crocodile tears of this week will prove legendary.

Edited August 12, 2009 by animatic

[sriracha john]

Police to find more evidences on PAD's leader assassination attempt from suspect's car

The investigation team will take the car of Police Corporal Worawut Mungsanthi, the suspect in Sondhi Limthongkul's assassination attempt case, and thoroughly examine it at the investigation department of the Royal Thai Police.

Police Colonel Kachornsak Parnsakorn, deputy commander of Metropolitan Police Division 5 revealed that an investigation team will impound the Chevrolet Zafira of Police Corporal Worawut , the suspect in the People Alliance for Democracy key leaders assassination attempt, to thoroughly examine it at the investigation department of Royal Thai Police.

He said that the investigation team confiscated it from Police Corporal Worawut's mother-in-law house. He added that the car was seized by the Thai Drug Police to investigate more drug gangs.

Police Colonel Kachornsak added that the car was initially used to carry drugs and that its registration number had been changed. He said that the investigation team will find more evidence to prove that this car was used in Sondhi's case.

-- Tan Network 2009-08-12

Edited August 12, 2009 by sriracha john