Deputy PM Suthep Admits Saudis Unhappy With Explanation Of Senior Police Officer's Promotion

[webfact]

Deputy PM Suthep: Saudi Arabia unhappy with Thailand's explanation of senior police officer's promotion

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Thursday conceded that Saudi Arabia is not happy with the Thai government's clarification regarding the promotion of a senior police officer allegedly involved with the disappearance of a Saudi businessman 20 years ago.

The deputy premier made the comments on the renewed diplomatic row between Thailand and the Gulf country as he explained the case to the House Committee on Laws, Justice and Human Rights at Parliament following the Saudi reaction to the promotion of Provincial Police Region 5 Commander Pol Lt-Gen Somkid Boonthanom as new assistant national police chief.

Saudi Charge d'Affaires in Thailand Nabil Hussein Ashri was also present at the meeting.

Thailand's Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) early this year indicted five police officers and an ex-police officer including Gen Somkid in connection with the disappearance of Saudi businessman Mohammad al-Ruwaili in 1990.

Mr Suthep said the government has explained the latest promotion of police officers to the Saudi charge d' affaires, while he conceded that the Saudi top diplomat was not satisfied with the explanation.

The deputy prime minister reaffirmed, however, that the Thai government will strictly follow the law and that it does not want Gen Somkid's promotion to affect the relations between

the two countries.'

He stated that any third party intervention to clear the air between Thailand and Saudi Arabia was not needed. The Thai foreign ministry is duty-bound to clarify the matter to the Saudi government.

When asked whether the dissatisfaction of the Saudi government will affect the travel of Thai Muslims to attend the Hajj in Mecca during this period, Mr Suthep said until now no disruption has occurred and the Thai foreign ministry will handle the matter.

Saudi Arabia earlier issued three statements opposing the controversial promotion fearing that it will affect the investigation of Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, but Thailand stood by its decision, saying it will be able to explain the reasons of the promotion to the Saudi government.

The case dates back to the late 1980s when Kriangkrai Techamong, a Thai worker employed in the palace of a Saudi prince, stole jewellery from the palace and escaped to Thailand.

The Thai police retrieved some of the stolen items and returned them to Saudi Arabia. However, the centrepiece jewel, the "Blue Diamond", was later found to have been replaced with an artificial stone.

Although a Thai police general has been imprisoned for his involvement in the scandal but the overall case remains unresolved, including the murder of several Saudi diplomats and Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, resulting in the downgrading of Thailand's diplomatic relations with Saudi to the charge d'affaires level.

Gen Somkid has been the prime suspect in the premeditated murder of Mr al-Ruwaili, who was believed to have held vital information on the murder of four Saudi diplomats in Bangkok.

The businessman was last seen in a car with Saudi consul Abdullah al-Besri on February 12, 1990, and was reported missing three days later. His car was found abandoned in the Bangkok Christian Hospital's parking lot and the consul was murdered after being seen with Mr al-Ruwaili. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-09-16

[chantorn]

"Saudi Arabia earlier issued three statements opposing the controversial promotion fearing that it will affect the investigation of Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, but Thailand stood by its decision, saying it will be able to explain the reasons of the promotion to the Saudi government." nation

After statement 1 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 2 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 3 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

Why can't the Saudi understand that ALL PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY". The Saudi now is getting on Suthep nerves. How dare them. Thailand do not stone women to death just because she has been raped and hence considered un-pure.

[scorecard]

"Saudi Arabia earlier issued three statements opposing the controversial promotion fearing that it will affect the investigation of Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, but Thailand stood by its decision, saying it will be able to explain the reasons of the promotion to the Saudi government." nation

After statement 1 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 2 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 3 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

Why can't the Saudi understand that ALL PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY". The Saudi now is getting on Suthep nerves. How dare them. Thailand do not stone women to death just because she has been raped and hence considered un-pure.

Suggest you do a further and more insightful analysis of the situation.

[mca]

And lay off the bong.....

[metisdead]

"Saudi Arabia earlier issued three statements opposing the controversial promotion fearing that it will affect the investigation of Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, but Thailand stood by its decision, saying it will be able to explain the reasons of the promotion to the Saudi government." nation

After statement 1 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 2 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 3 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

Why can't the Saudi understand that ALL PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY". The Saudi now is getting on Suthep nerves. How dare them. Thailand do not stone women to death just because she has been raped and hence considered un-pure.

I believe you are quite naive in your comments and perhaps you are just too young to understand what happened 20 years ago, I have done some homework for you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Diamond_Affair

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/saudi-gems-theft-leaves-deadly-trail-in-thailand-1450865.html

[TheLaughingMan]

"Saudi Arabia earlier issued three statements opposing the controversial promotion fearing that it will affect the investigation of Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, but Thailand stood by its decision, saying it will be able to explain the reasons of the promotion to the Saudi government." nation

After statement 1 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 2 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 3 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

Why can't the Saudi understand that ALL PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY". The Saudi now is getting on Suthep nerves. How dare them. Thailand do not stone women to death just because she has been raped and hence considered un-pure.

You are ignorant.

[sevenhills]

"Saudi Arabia earlier issued three statements opposing the controversial promotion fearing that it will affect the investigation of Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, but Thailand stood by its decision, saying it will be able to explain the reasons of the promotion to the Saudi government." nation

After statement 1 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 2 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 3 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

Why can't the Saudi understand that ALL PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY". The Saudi now is getting on Suthep nerves. How dare them. Thailand do not stone women to death just because she has been raped and hence considered un-pure.

I think you are extremely naive and need to do a lot more homework on this subject. Saudi has every right to be piss*d off about this.

[asiawatcher]

Why not put Somkid on a lie detector test and clear the air? It's not perfect but neither is he!

[Hardback]

Don't feed the troll.

[monkfish]

"Saudi Arabia earlier issued three statements opposing the controversial promotion fearing that it will affect the investigation of Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, but Thailand stood by its decision, saying it will be able to explain the reasons of the promotion to the Saudi government." nation

After statement 1 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 2 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 3 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

Why can't the Saudi understand that ALL PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY". The Saudi now is getting on Suthep nerves. How dare them. Thailand do not stone women to death just because she has been raped and hence considered un-pure.

I believe you are quite naive in your comments and perhaps you are just too young to understand what happened 20 years ago, I have done some homework for you:

http://en.wikipedia...._Diamond_Affair

http://www.independe...nd-1450865.html

Thanks for the link what a great story !

[metisdead]

"Saudi Arabia earlier issued three statements opposing the controversial promotion fearing that it will affect the investigation of Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, but Thailand stood by its decision, saying it will be able to explain the reasons of the promotion to the Saudi government." nation

After statement 1 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 2 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 3 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

Why can't the Saudi understand that ALL PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY". The Saudi now is getting on Suthep nerves. How dare them. Thailand do not stone women to death just because she has been raped and hence considered un-pure.

I believe you are quite naive in your comments and perhaps you are just too young to understand what happened 20 years ago, I have done some homework for you:

http://en.wikipedia...._Diamond_Affair

http://www.independe...nd-1450865.html

Thanks for the link what a great story !

[monkfish]

"Saudi Arabia earlier issued three statements opposing the controversial promotion fearing that it will affect the investigation of Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, but Thailand stood by its decision, saying it will be able to explain the reasons of the promotion to the Saudi government." nation

After statement 1 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 2 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 3 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

Why can't the Saudi understand that ALL PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY". The Saudi now is getting on Suthep nerves. How dare them. Thailand do not stone women to death just because she has been raped and hence considered un-pure.

I think you are extremely naive and need to do a lot more homework on this subject. Saudi has every right to be piss*d off about this.

I think chantorn always says the exact opposite to what he means, probably a way to express feelings without being arrested.

I love mark lol.

By the way what does mark really mean?

[stepenwolf1958]

"Saudi Arabia earlier issued three statements opposing the controversial promotion fearing that it will affect the investigation of Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, but Thailand stood by its decision, saying it will be able to explain the reasons of the promotion to the Saudi government." nation

After statement 1 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 2 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 3 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

Why can't the Saudi understand that ALL PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY". The Saudi now is getting on Suthep nerves. How dare them. Thailand do not stone women to death just because she has been raped and hence considered un-pure.

This must be a joke. Mr. Suthep DON'T speak English at all as he said in one press conference. Deputy of PM don't speak English. Nice.

[tomyummer]

"Saudi Arabia earlier issued three statements opposing the controversial promotion fearing that it will affect the investigation of Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, but Thailand stood by its decision, saying it will be able to explain the reasons of the promotion to the Saudi government." nation

After statement 1 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 2 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 3 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

Why can't the Saudi understand that ALL PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY". The Saudi now is getting on Suthep nerves. How dare them. Thailand do not stone women to death just because she has been raped and hence considered un-pure.

Oh my lord, I think it's about time ThaiVisa.com has a questionnaire before becoming a member. I don't even know where to go with this one.

[stepenwolf1958]

"Saudi Arabia earlier issued three statements opposing the controversial promotion fearing that it will affect the investigation of Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, but Thailand stood by its decision, saying it will be able to explain the reasons of the promotion to the Saudi government." nation

After statement 1 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 2 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 3 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

Why can't the Saudi understand that ALL PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY". The Saudi now is getting on Suthep nerves. How dare them. Thailand do not stone women to death just because she has been raped and hence considered un-pure.

I think you are extremely naive and need to do a lot more homework on this subject. Saudi has every right to be piss*d off about this.

One thing we missed here. ANY normal government would NOT take for such high position someone who was involved, imprisoned in ANY crime-especially if that one caused troubles in diplomacy to his own country.

Not any country would ALLOW such person to continue career in same job.

Next, how DEEP and how FAR whole situation is if TWENTY years it is not solved but continue to be a problem between 2 countries? Why so long time is not possible to discover all? Who is protecting Mr. Somkid so long time?

One more thing, it should to be explained to Saudi Arabia that Mr. Somkid is the only one who can stop police force to support, intimatelly, Mr. Thaksin so Saudi Arabia will be suttisfied.

By the way, is there any clue who holds now Blue Diamond? Where is it now in the world?

[webfact]

THAI-SAUDI TIES

Somkid's promotion not affect ties : PM

By The Nation

The promotion of Somkid Boonthanom to assistant police chief amidst protest from Saudi Arabia should not snowball into closure of that state's embassy, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

"We are trying not to prompt the issue to result in the closure of the Saudi embassy. As far as I know, there has never been a policy aimed at reaching that stage. The ongoing step is to gain understanding on the issue," he said.

"I am worried that clarification by Thai authorities is still insufficient, and I am playing my part in the entire matter," he added.

The Foreign Ministry is working on a translation of the Thai government's explanation of the Police Commission's criteria in promoting the lieutenantgeneral from his previous post as chief of the Police Regional Bureau 5.

"The slow translation process is aimed at ensuring maximum accuracy of the message. Any misinterpretation would only result in greater complications," Abhisit said, responding to Saudi Charge d' Affaires Nabil Hussein Ashri's statement that he was waiting for the document.

Saudi Arabia's concern about Somkid's promotion is based on his alleged involvement in the unsolved disappearance of Saudi businessman Mohammed alRuwaili in Bangkok 20 years ago.

Chavanont Intharakomalsut, secretary to the foreign minister, dismissed the embassy's closure threat as baseless, and said the translation was nearly complete. The key message in the translation is that the promotion of Somkid strictly followed normal procedure and regulations, without government influence or interference, he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who met with Ashri on Wednesday in a House committee meeting, said he acknowledged the diplomat's "dissatisfaction" with his explanation over the government's decision not to back down from the promotion of Somkid.

"That was normal, when Saudi Arabia has placed its hope on one thing, but got something else in return. Anyway, Thai laws and regulations [over Somkid's promotion] must be followed, whether they will be happy or disappointed with the outcome is another story," he said.

Responding to reports that the embassy's visa service could be paused to stop ThaiMuslims from going to Hajj as a result of the promotion of Somkid, Suthep said: "This is the Foreign Ministry's duty to work on further, I cannot give any answer on its behalf."

He said earlier that an assistant police chief's position was not significant - and [such a rank holder] could not carry out nonroutine operations without direct assignment from the national police chief.

When asked later why it was given to Somkid anyway, Suthep contradicted himself, saying: "It gives the holder a chance for future promotion to be a deputy, and possibly later as the national police chief."

Chularatchamontree (Muslim Spiritual leader) Asis Phithakkhumphol said he believed the Saudi government would separate religious issues from political, and the promotion of Somkid would not affect quotas granted for ThaiMuslims seeking Hajj pilgrimage.

-- The Nation 2010-09-17

[Buchholz]

Don't feed the troll.

Can't argue with success. He/She garnered 10 replies to it.

[mca]

"The slow translation process is aimed at ensuring maximum accuracy of the message. Any misinterpretation would only result in greater complications," Abhisit said,

Can't you do it mate? For Christ's sake you studied at bloody Oxford! I hardly think a Masters In Economics or whatever from there would have a dissertation starting with " My mother he go to shopping yesterday "

He sounds like my daughter thinking up the myriad of reasons for an extension when I say " Bedtime sweetheart"

Edited September 16, 2010 by mca

[Buchholz]

"The slow translation process is aimed at ensuring maximum accuracy of the message. Any misinterpretation would only result in greater complications," Abhisit said,

Can't you do it mate? For Christ's sake you studied at bloody Oxford!

I don't think he studied Arabic.

[jonclark]

I don't understand how somkid got chosen for the promotion, surely the leader of our royal police force needs to be a champion of law and order, a person who personifies justice and rightousness. Someone beyond reproach who can take the moral high ground.

What do we get stuck with an alleged murderer, and kidnapper. Only in Thailand. This whole episode is an embarrassment and disgrace to the royal in the Royal Thai Police Force and all the Thai people

[SomTumTiger]

Thais don't like being told what to do. Quote from Thaksin - "The UN is not my father".

[whybother]

Thais don't like being told what to do. Quote from Thaksin - "The UN is not my father".

But Abhisit should be better than that.

[mca]

"The slow translation process is aimed at ensuring maximum accuracy of the message. Any misinterpretation would only result in greater complications," Abhisit said,

Can't you do it mate? For Christ's sake you studied at bloody Oxford!

I don't think he studied Arabic.

Valid point!

[SamritT]

Somkid's promotion not affect ties : PM - Reported by The Nation. So this case should be close now.

[nowork114]

Somkid's promotion not affect ties : PM - Reported by The Nation. So this case should be close now.

And when the renewed Thai police will close the Saudi case?

[jonclark]

Somkid's promotion not affect ties : PM - Reported by The Nation. So this case should be close now.

Clearly the PM or the Nation were wrong then??

[hanuman1]

Somkid's promotion not affect ties : PM - Reported by The Nation. So this case should be close now.

How old are you? Your naivety is very 'Na Rak'

[LomSak27]

"Saudi Arabia earlier issued three statements opposing the controversial promotion fearing that it will affect the investigation of Mr al-Ruwaili's disappearance, but Thailand stood by its decision, saying it will be able to explain the reasons of the promotion to the Saudi government." nation

After statement 1 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 2 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

After statement 3 - Suthep say " Don't worry, Saudi misunderstood, Thailand have explained, and Saudi is now happy.

Why can't the Saudi understand that ALL PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY". The Saudi now is getting on Suthep nerves. How dare them. Thailand do not stone women to death just because she has been raped and hence considered un-pure.

Good troll Chantorn! You go troll ..

Actually its over 20 years, is it not past the statute of limitations? Isn't all this just protest against a person who the Saudis assume (probably correctly) was involved in this and the other killings, but there is never going to be a trial.

[Buchholz]

Somkid's promotion not affect ties : PM - Reported by The Nation. So this case should be close now.

How old are you? Your naivety is very 'Na Rak'

I'd estimate he's about 62.

[hanuman1]

Somkid's promotion not affect ties : PM - Reported by The Nation. So this case should be close now.

How old are you? Your naivety is very 'Na Rak'

I'd estimate he's about 62.

Nice one. It's still cute though.