Thai-Saudi Diplomatic Tension Keeps Rising Over Somkid's Promotion

[webfact]

THAI-SAUDI TIES

Tension keeps rising over Somkid's promotion

By The Nation

Somkid

Diplomatic tension between Thailand and Saudi Arabia has risen further on Sunday with Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and the middle eastern country's embassy arguing over whether a senior policeman linked to the 1990 disappearance of a high-profile Saudi businessman should be promoted.

Shortly after Suthep implied that the Saudi Arabian Embassy was rushing to judgement regarding the promotion of Lt-General Somkid Boonthanom to assistant police chief, the embassy issued another statement to stand its ground.

Suthep had said the government will send a memorandum to Saudi Arabia clarifying issues surrounding the promotion. "I am preparing the translation of all legal provisions and police service procedures in order to explain [the circumstances] to Saudi Arabia within this week," he said.

After the Police Commission decided to promote Lt-General Somkid Boonthanom of Provincial Police Region 5, Suthep said he had a |meeting last week with Saudi Charge D'Affaires Nabil Hussein Ashri.

He said he had outlined pertinent issues - and was puzzled by the Saudi government rushing to criticise Thailand before he could send a promised translated copy of legal provisions to back up his arguments.

"What I can say for certain is the government has not interfered with the judicial proceedings related to the missing Saudi businessman, nor the police service procedures on the promotion," he said.

He said Somkid was entitled to a promotion review just like other police officers, who have not been caught up in legal or disciplinary proceedings.

In the police investigation into missing businessman Mahammad Al-Ruwaili, all charges against Somkid were dropped and the subsequent disciplinary proceedings cleared his name, Suthep said.

Furthermore, Somkid's records for criminal and disciplinary probes had been expunged, he said, explaining the police service was obligated to not harbour prejudice on job assignments.

As one of the candidates to fill 11 vacant seats, Somkid was in the top three in terms of seniority, which accounted for 33 per cent of factors for promotion, Suthep said.

Although the Department of Special Investigation cited fresh evidence to reopen the case, the litigation involving Somkid had yet to unfold and it was not a factor to block his promotion.

He said the Saudi authorities had misinterpreted a police provision, Article 95 of the Police Act, by arguing that Somkid should have been suspended from duty when facing charges raised by the DSI.

Police officers were not liable to face disciplinary action for charges initiated by an outside agency.

The Pheu Thai Party plans to conduct a hearing on Somkid's promotion via the House committee on foreign affairs since the issue might have an impact on Thai-Saudi relations, party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said.

Prompong said the opposition party might invite the Saudi charge d'affaires to give his views.He said he suspected the government had bent the rules in order to promote Somkid because any officer facing a criminal trial should be suspended from the job instead of being promoted.

The embassy's statement issued late Sunday insisted that Somkid should not have been promoted.

"The Embassy reiterates - as stated in its above referenced statement, and in adherence to the firm principles of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Foreign Policy of non-interference, that it has not in anyway concerned in the current political situation in the Kingdom of Thailand, or intends to interfere in domestic affairs, noting that its above mentioned statement has specifically addressed issues solely pertaining to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while exercising uttermost cautious and courteous approach to the sensitive current political situation in the Kingdom of Thailand," the statement said.

" The Embassy notes that its objections and concerns expressed in its above mentioned statement, are based on the fact that the subject in question is an issue that directly concerns the 3 pending and unsolved cases of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Thailand for more than 20 years; namely the case of the theft of Jewelry from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by a Thai worker, and the subsequent embezzlement cases of the Jewelry, the assassination of Saudi Diplomats officially posted in Thailand, and finally the disappearance and murder of the Saudi Businessman Mohamad al-Ruwaili, which have resulted in the downgrading of bilateral relations at all levels."

The statement said that, for more than 20 years, Saudi Arabia "for its part has shown understanding, patience, and extended all means of cooperation at hand to aid the relevant Thai authorities in their investigations".

The statement also cited Prime Minister ABhisit Vejjajiva's policy statement promising efficient, transparent and fair judicial process for all.

The statement praised "the first positive advancement and progress for more than 20 years - achieved by the current Democrat led government with regard to the pending three cases". Such progress, it said, should pave the way for fully restoring bilateral relations.

"In this respect, the Embassy - and as previously mentioned in past statements issued by its powers - wishes to state that it has not come to a conclusion in any of the three pending cases, nor has it regarded any person(s) as guilty of or responsible for carrying out any of the known crimes in subject. It is a matter entirely up to the Thai Justice and courts to prove and carry out the necessary procedures in accordance with prevalent laws and regulations. The Embassy does however; state that it has noticed that article (95) of the National Police Act stipulates regulations regarding the promotion of the person charged by Thai legal authorities in the case of Mr. al-Ruwaili.

"Therefore the Embassy has

1. merely expressed its astonishment concerning conclusive remarks by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban regarding the pending case of Mr. Al-Ruwaili, that one of the five defendants (named by the OAG) in this case, Pol. Lt. Gen. Somkid Boonthanom Commissioner of Provincial Police of Region (5) had been cleared of any wrongdoing and therefore had been serving on duty and has been promoted. To our knowledge it had been decided by Thai legal and judicial authorities to prosecute the defendants for the disappearance and murder - among other charges - of Mr. al-Ruwaili, the trial for which is set to begin on 25th November 2010.

2. expressed its concerns that ...while not implicating any crime on Pol. Lt. Gen Somkid as clearly stated above, any Committee/body/authority considering him innocent or guilty in this case would directly conflict with the fact Mr Somkid is a defendant in this case but not yet tried by the Thai Courts."

The statement said the embassy still wishes to see the pending Saudi cases solved and "wishes the Thai authorities success in achieving their goal in order to fully restore Diplomatic relations and resume cooperation at all levels."

-- The Nation 2010-09-06

[timekeeper]

perhaps the sensitive Saudis would feel better if Thailand were to chop off his hands, in line with their own barbaric ideology of justice

[rubl]

It is truly amazing that the Saudi diamond case which may have profited a handful well-connected people including police, and caused so much harm to Thailand in general and Thai labor force specifically (e.g. construction, maids, etc.). Trade between the two countries still minimal. Selfish people and blame their connections as well.

[chaoyang]

perhaps the sensitive Saudis would feel better if Thailand were to chop off his hands, in line with their own barbaric ideology of justice

Perhaps you should get up to speed on what happened -- Saudi officials and businessmen murdered in Thailand, Sino-Thai jeweler's wife and son murdered by the police due to inquiries into who really stole the jewels.

That strikes me as a more than a bit barbaric.

If this guy was part of the bald-faced cover-up of the theft or the murders, he should be in prison or on the gallows, not getting some promotion.

[LomSak27]

It is truly amazing that the Saudi diamond case which may have profited a handful well-connected people including police, and caused so much harm to Thailand in general and Thai labor force specifically (e.g. construction, maids, etc.). Trade between the two countries still minimal. Selfish people and blame their connections as well.

Rubi I still am amazed at this ongoing saga. Many posters herein assumed that once the 20 year s of limitations was up it would all be sweeped under the rug and relations restored. Nothing like that is going to happen. It's not what you say its what you do ... and Thailand never did a thing

[OzMick]

It seems not unreasonable that any country should be concerned when an officer charged with murdering one of that country's citizens is promoted to a very senior position less than 3 months before he faces trial for that crime. 2 questions come to mind:

Couldn't the promotion have been granted, but suspended until the outcome of the trial is known?

Has any police general ever been found guilty of a serious crime by an internal police investigation?

[chaoyang]

Has any police general ever been found guilty of a serious crime by an internal police investigation?

The nation's top policeman "crime buster" -- who was convicted of kidnapping and murder of the jeweler's wife and son to extort (information or silence?) -- is currently allegedly serving life in prison for the crimes.

Edited September 6, 2010 by chaoyang

[steady]

perhaps the sensitive Saudis would feel better if Thailand were to chop off his hands, in line with their own barbaric ideology of justice

I think I would prefer that way rather than have a police force that promotes officers with a background like Somkid's. As another poster said, everything about this case is barbaric. Just becuase they smile when they kill people doesn't make it less barbaric.

[ramzanepi]

perhaps the sensitive Saudis would feel better if Thailand were to chop off his hands, in line with their own barbaric ideology of justice

I think I would prefer that way rather than have a police force that promotes officers with a background like Somkid's. As another poster said, everything about this case is barbaric. Just becuase they smile when they kill people doesn't make it less barbaric.

who gives a crap what the Saudi's think they are used to calling the shots in their barbaric shithole country. Just ignore them, in fact their embassy should be closed and send them all back to the desert.

[Buchholz]

Has any police general ever been found guilty of a serious crime by an internal police investigation?

It wasn't from an internal police investigation, but:

The former National Police Chief Police General Phatcharawat Wongsuwan, former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Police Lieutenant-General Suchart Meunkaew, and former Udon Thani police commander Police Major-General Permsak Paradonsak were all found guilty of malfeasance by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

As far as the internal police board goes, they are trying to get these rulings over-turned.

The former Police Chief and the former Metropolitan Police Commissioner were found guilty of mishandling the mass demonstration led by the People's Alliance for Democracy in October 7, 2008, while the former Udon Thani police commander was charged with his failure to prevent the violent clashes between the supporters of the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) and those of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) occurring in northeastern province of Udon Thani province.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255301110061

[Chunky1]

It is disgusting that some people here imply that any Thais had any wrong doing with regards to the blue diamond case. Thais are honest. Especially Thai policeman.

[TAWP]

I think this promotion is just another sign that many here lack any understanding of the surrounding world, outside the nations borders...or forethought to consider what implications their dealings and shenanigans could have for the nation.

[hammered]

It is disgusting that some people here imply that any Thais had any wrong doing with regards to the blue diamond case. Thais are honest. Especially Thai policeman.

Potentially the next PM could further increase tension on this matter too if rumours on who a party will select are to be believed.

[rubl]

It is disgusting that some people here imply that any Thais had any wrong doing with regards to the blue diamond case. Thais are honest. Especially Thai policeman.

They should put K. Chalerm on this case together with his two able sons. Surely we would see progress then !

Edited September 6, 2010 by rubl

[Buchholz]

It is disgusting that some people here imply that any Thais had any wrong doing with regards to the blue diamond case. Thais are honest. Especially Thai policeman.

They should put K. Chalerm on this case together with his two able sons. Surely we would see progress then !

Charlerm is a Police Captain and would defer in such a high-profile case to the higher ranking Police Lieutenant-Colonel Thaksin S. and his son.

[webfact]

Suthep to clarify with Saudi Arabia on Somkid’s promotion

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban will send a letter to the government Saudi Arabia clarifying the promotion of Police Somkid Boonthanom to Assistant police chief.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that he would send a letter to the Saudi Arabian authorities out of concerns that the Thai-Saudi ties might be jeopardized by the appointment.

Police Lieutenant General Somkid is one of the five suspects indicted for the disappearance of Saudi Arabian business executive Mohammand al-Ruwaili in Thailand 20 years ago. Somkid was Police Lieutenant Colonel at that time.

Mr Suthep explained that the disciplinary investigation of Somkid had been completed and the court had ruled out his involvement in the case. However, the Department of the Special Investigation decided later that the Lieutenant General had a role in and indicted him.

The Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that the Government would not meddle with case, which had been in court for several months now. He said the National Police Headquarters is responsible for the reshuffle not the government.

Meanwhile, opposition Pheu Thai Party Spokesperson Prompong Nopparit said the promotion of Police Lieutenant General Somkid was inappropriate as he had been implicated by the DSI in the controversial case. He said such an appointment was made without taking into consideration the feelings of other police, people, and the Saudi Arabian government.

-- NNT 2010-09-06

[souvenirdeparis]

unsolved case of theft? it has always been very plain, jewels were in the palace for anyone with pockets to take them , no lock no camera no security system , a Thaï gardener came back to his village with a bagful, sold some to a jeweller , police found some, wife of policeman was photographed wearing some, wife and son of jeweler were killed in an "accident" in their mercedes, then Saudi starts yelling " the red diamond is a fake" like a dog caught in a mouse trap by the <deleted> .

My opinion: the famed red diamond had always been a fake , nobody had ever taken a good look at it.Lots of these jewel were fakes and that's why they were left laying around in the palace .

[rubl]

It is truly amazing that the Saudi diamond case which may have profited a handful well-connected people including police, and caused so much harm to Thailand in general and Thai labor force specifically (e.g. construction, maids, etc.). Trade between the two countries still minimal. Selfish people and blame their connections as well.

Saudi Arabia stopped issuing working visas for Thais and discouraged its citizens from visiting Bangkok. Diplomatic missions were downgraded to chargé d'affaires level. The number of Thai workers in Saudi Arabia fell from over 150,000 in 1989 to 10,000 in 2006.

[chantorn]

"Mr Suthep explained that the disciplinary investigation of Somkid had been completed and the court had ruled out his involvement in the case. However, the Department of the Special Investigation decided later that the Lieutenant General had a role in and indicted him." NNT

If "the court had ruled out his involvement in the case" then how come "Department of the Special Investigation decided later that the Lieutenant General had a role in and indicted him"? anyone care to explain?

[geriatrickid]

Is it really such a bad thing that non muslim Thais have not been able to obtain work permits in Saudi Arabia? Considering the treatment accorded to Phillippinas, Bangladeshis and Indonesians over the years I don't think it is such a bad thing. Saudi Arabia still funds various "educational" and "religious" groups in the deep south. The longer the case drags on and relations are "damaged", the longer some Thais will not be seduced by high wages only to end up mistreated and living like slaves.

Thai workers have more than compensated for the lost opportunities by obtaining jobs with better working conditions in the agricultural sectors of Canada, Israel and the EU. It's hard work, but they are paid more and receive better treatment than in Saudi Arabia.

I wouldn't worry about the Saudis. It's a place where everyone is a "prince". The Kingdom is living on borrowed time. Sooner or later Saudi Arabi will collapse and then all will be forgotten. The Saudis are unimportant to Thailand's foreign interests.

[souvenirdeparis]

I agree with geriatrickid .

Nuclear power will reduce dependence on their oil ; I'd sooner be nuke- polluted than having to live in this "kingdom"

[such countries are very important to the economy of France , they buy our big guns and other gizmos ; they own palaces on the coast and in Paris ; thanks to the USA who decided to make them rich ]

[webfact]

THAI-SAUDI TIES

Promotion 'won't affect' Al-Ruwaili probe

By The Nation

Pol Lt Gen Somkid Boonthanom's recent promotion to assistant National Police chief will not affect the probe into his alleged role in the disappearance of Saudi businessman Mohammad al-Ruwaili, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday, as his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban apparently wavered on the policeman's career rise.

"The promotion has nothing to do with the investigation. We're very careful about all these matters," Abhisit said.

In a separate interview, Saudi Charge d'Affaires Nabil H Ashri told The Nation the promotion at least had potential to have psychological effects on what should be a totally unbiased and transparent justice process, especially when it involves a case where a senior policeman is a suspect and new police evidence is crucial.

"We have no intention to interfere with Thailand and its judicial process. We are just expressing our astonishment," the envoy said.

Abhisit, however, insisted that despite the Saudi government expressing concern over Somkid's appointment, he would not be suspended.

"I have checked with the Police Commission, and it said the promotion was not in violation of the commission's regulations," he said.

New evidence against Somkid is being examined by the Department of Special Investigation, after a case in which he was acquitted of being involved in the suspected kidnapping of Ruwaili two decades ago. The victim was presumed dead.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, the chairman of the Police Commission, who had earlier exchanged words with Saudi Arabia over Somkid's promotion, claimed he had not looked clearly into Somkid's legal status when the commission worked out the annual police reshuffle, which saw Somkid's advancement. Charges against him had been dropped, and this apparently influenced the decision to promote the officer, Suthep suggested.

"As far as I'm concerned, his case was once perceived as over but now it has been revived. So it will have to start all over again," he said.

The Saudi Embassy issued a second statement in response to Suthep's reaction to its first statement.

It read in part that the embassy had merely expressed its astonishment concerning conclusive remarks by Suthep regarding the pending case of Ruwaili - that Somkid had been cleared of any wrongdoing and therefore had been serving on duty and has been promoted.

"To our knowledge it had been decided by Thai legal and judicial authorities to prosecute the defendants for the disappearance and murder - among other charges - of Ruwaili, the trial for which is set to begin on November 25, 2010," the statement said.

The Saudi mission still hopes to see the pending Saudi cases solved and "wishes the Thai authorities success in achieving their goal in order to fully restore diplomatic relations and resume cooperation at all levels".

-- The Nation 2010-09-07

[zaza]

Hahaha................this post gives another dimension for "conspiracy theorists".

I bet even the Thai police did not use such a naive claim, knowing it couldn't hold water !

unsolved case of theft? it has always been very plain, jewels were in the palace for anyone with pockets to take them , no lock no camera no security system , a Thaï gardener came back to his village with a bagful, sold some to a jeweller , police found some, wife of policeman was photographed wearing some, wife and son of jeweler were killed in an "accident" in their mercedes, then Saudi starts yelling " the red diamond is a fake" like a dog caught in a mouse trap by the <deleted> .

My opinion: the famed red diamond had always been a fake , nobody had ever taken a good look at it.Lots of these jewel were fakes and that's why they were left laying around in the palace .

[zaza]

Are we discussing personal hatered and racism here? All the Thais, regardless of their reiligion ( Buddhist and Muslim); were effected by the downsizing of the diplomatic relations. Saudis are not allowed to enter Thailand too " officially and formerly".

It is a topic about bilateral-diplomatic rift; caused by kidnapping and murder cases of diplomats, and a business man in Bangkok.

Please, Learn more about this issue, then discuss.

Your subjectivity is highly "clear and observed".

Is it really such a bad thing that non muslim Thais have not been able to obtain work permits in Saudi Arabia? Considering the treatment accorded to Phillippinas, Bangladeshis and Indonesians over the years I don't think it is such a bad thing. Saudi Arabia still funds various "educational" and "religious" groups in the deep south. The longer the case drags on and relations are "damaged", the longer some Thais will not be seduced by high wages only to end up mistreated and living like slaves.

Thai workers have more than compensated for the lost opportunities by obtaining jobs with better working conditions in the agricultural sectors of Canada, Israel and the EU. It's hard work, but they are paid more and receive better treatment than in Saudi Arabia.

I wouldn't worry about the Saudis. It's a place where everyone is a "prince". The Kingdom is living on borrowed time. Sooner or later Saudi Arabi will collapse and then all will be forgotten. The Saudis are unimportant to Thailand's foreign interests.

[souvenirdeparis]

Report

Back to top ^ MultiQuote

Reply

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#23 zaza

Hard

I bet even the Thai police did not use such a naive claim, knowing it couldn't hold water

§§

I'll stand firm in my bootswith my theory; saudis don't know what they own; wives routinely come to Paris and bring a jumbo jet full of Vuitton & Cartier knick-knacks ; said wives don't know how to use the bathrooms in their 5 star hotels and leave the suite ruined. Saudis don't have a repute for being diamonds experts ( emeralds are what the turkish overlords used to know, topkapi has lots of them).Diamonds nowadays require high technology to prove they're genuine , no such analysis was performed first time the police retrieved it.

Anyway, the saudis are really showing their total lack of diplomacy there, the dead envoy is one issue,the nomination of this official I know nothing about , but the diamonds proper should not even be mentioned now , they got heaps of diamondsand should stop crying over it, they just like to make a problem ; as I said , if it's so important, why didn't he keep it in a safe? he's been a fool and didn't learn a lesson; and now I find saudis are being rude about it , the Kingdom did what it could and it's beginning to be plain bullying and improper, and what could you expect from them;Not to mention the trouble in the South. :jap:

[tomyummer]

It is disgusting that some people here imply that any Thais had any wrong doing with regards to the blue diamond case. Thais are honest. Especially Thai policeman.

....and the military, government officials, customs officers, lawyers, judges, TAT, AOT, private hospitals, non-licensed airport taxis, ....yes. I must agree. It must have been the Burmese, Cambodians, or Laotians!! How dare they make us look bad on our own soil!

As we are so honest, we need more than 20 years to solve this case because we want to make sure we are so very thorough with our investigation. Please be patient with us, "our dear kind friends from Saudi Arabia" (spoken with a big Thai smile).

[tomyummer]

Sorry, I meant to ask this earlier:

I have my $250 million collection of impressionist paintings that used to be on loan to the New York Metropolitan Museum and wanted to bring it on a tour to Singapore through Thailand. Does anyone have the number to a police escort service? Of course I need total secrecy on this one. I would preferably like the same ones that escorted the Saudi jewels some 20 odd years ago. I heard the jewels didn't disappear on their watch, so I totally trust them. Can anyone help me out?

Thanks in advance.

[Humphrey Bear]

I agree with geriatrickid .

Nuclear power will reduce dependence on their oil ; I'd sooner be nuke- polluted than having to live in this "kingdom"

[such countries are very important to the economy of France , they buy our big guns and other gizmos ; they own palaces on the coast and in Paris ; thanks to the USA who decided to make them rich ]

And yet France is the largest user (proportionally) of nuclear power in the world.

Bigoted statements from the country trying to remove Roma from their lands (unsuccessfully) and the originators of 'chauvinism' and similar mental attitudes.

Why not expel dwarfs and Hungarians? that way you'll get rid of one of your biggest problems. He's a screw-up, his wife's a screw.

[rubl]

Can we go back to the OP, please?

[zaza]

More details on the issue :

My link