Phuket Swedish Murder Duo Likely To Serve Sentence In Sweden

[webfact]

Phuket's Swedish murder suspects may not do 'hard' time

Johan Sebastian Ljung confessed to stabbing Maksim Schantz in the neck,

killing him, police said. Photo: Dean Noble

Tommy Viktor Söderlund also confessed to participating in the murder, police said.

Photo: Dean Noble

PHUKET: -- The Swedish duo charged with the August 1 murder of Maksim Schantz would likely serve out their sentences in Sweden, a consular official told the Phuket Gazette.

Johan Sebastian Ljung, 25, and Tommy Viktor Söderlund, 26, confessed on August 2 to attacking and stabbing to death the Russian-born Swedish national Mr Schantz, police said.

The pair allegedly were angered that Mr Schantz informed police of a scam operation they had been running out of Pattaya.

Pär Kageby, Senior Consular Officer at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok, told the Gazette that based on a prisoner-transfer agreement between Sweden and Thailand, the suspects would have the opportunity to serve out their sentences in Sweden if convicted in a Thai court.

If they are convicted of the murder charges, they would have one month to appeal before sentencing, Mr Kageby said.

According to the agreement, the pair would be required to serve one-third, or no more than eight years, of their sentence before having the opportunity to apply to the Swedish government for a transfer.

If the Swedish government accepts the transfer request, it would then be forwarded to the Thai government for approval, Mr Kageby said.

“The nature of the crime, the convict’s behavior in prison and various other things are considered. If they are positive, [the Thai government] will say ‘Yes’ to the transfer,” he said.

“According to the agreement, it is the Thai sentence that will be served, but so far as I know with other cases, the sentences have been looked upon in ‘Swedish ways’,” Mr Kageby said.

In one high-profile case, Swedish national Karolina Johnsson, popularly known as “the Diplomat’s Daughter” due to her parents’ professions, was arrested in Bangkok in possession of five kilograms of heroin, Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported.

Ms Karolina, who wrote a book about her ordeal, was sentenced to serve 45 years in a Thai prison in 1994 before being transferred to Sweden after serving four years in Thailand “under an agreement she would serve the full sentence,” the report said.

She was released from Swedish prison in 2006 after serving a total of 12 years behind bars as the maximum Swedish sentence for heroin smuggling is 14 years, which is usually reduced, the newspaper reported.

Ljung and Soderlund are likely to remain in Phuket Prison at least until a verdict is reached, Mr Kageby said.

They are currently remanded on police request, which is up for review every 12 days. The next review is scheduled for tomorrow.

The police must file the case with the prosecutor within 84 days of charging the suspects, Mr Kageby said.

If they are convicted and sentenced, they will have the opportunity to apply to transfer to other prisons in Thailand, he added.

“We sent a consular officer to visit them last Monday and we normally try to go as soon as possible after someone has been arrested. We made sure they had a lawyer, which they had already arranged, and that everything was going as it should,” he said.

“We’re always happy with the cooperation with police,” Mr Kageby said.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2011/article10826.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2011-08-15

[Chamezz]

Swedish sentence lol, they'll get like 3 years in a hotelroom-like cell. Comfy, good food (the food in swedish prisons is better than the food in swedish public schools...) and private TV.

[TAWP]

Ms Karolina, who wrote a book about her ordeal, was sentenced to serve 45 years in a Thai prison in 1994 before being transferred to Sweden after serving four years in Thailand “under an agreement she would serve the full sentence,” the report said.

She was released from Swedish prison in 2006 after serving a total of 12 years behind bars as the maximum Swedish sentence for heroin smuggling is 14 years, which is usually reduced, the newspaper reported.

So why should the Thai side honor the agreement and transfer anyone if the agreed term of incarceration is not followed?

[Oberkommando]

Swedish sentence lol, they'll get like 3 years in a hotelroom-like cell. Comfy, good food (the food in swedish prisons is better than the food in swedish public schools...) and private TV.

If they've got money they'll get anything they want in a Thai jail.

[Chamezz]

Swedish sentence lol, they'll get like 3 years in a hotelroom-like cell. Comfy, good food (the food in swedish prisons is better than the food in swedish public schools...) and private TV.

If they've got money they'll get anything they want in a Thai jail.

I don't doubt that, but in Sweden the taxpayers would pay for all of it...

Btw, any information on what sort of scam they were running?

[JetsetBkk]

Swedish sentence lol, they'll get like 3 years in a hotelroom-like cell. Comfy, good food (the food in swedish prisons is better than the food in swedish public schools...) and private TV.

If they've got money they'll get anything they want in a Thai jail.

I don't doubt that, but in Sweden the taxpayers would pay for all of it...

Btw, any information on what sort of scam they were running?

Looking for a vacancy?

[Chamezz]

Swedish sentence lol, they'll get like 3 years in a hotelroom-like cell. Comfy, good food (the food in swedish prisons is better than the food in swedish public schools...) and private TV.

If they've got money they'll get anything they want in a Thai jail.

I don't doubt that, but in Sweden the taxpayers would pay for all of it...

Btw, any information on what sort of scam they were running?

Looking for a vacancy?

Not really, I'm all for legit business. But if they executed him in broad daylight for reporting their scam, it must have been a pretty big operation.

[bangkokrick]

Some Internet scam. Probably money transfers from unsuspecting victims.

[jonclark]

Ms Karolina, who wrote a book about her ordeal, was sentenced to serve 45 years in a Thai prison in 1994 before being transferred to Sweden after serving four years in Thailand "under an agreement she would serve the full sentence," the report said.

She was released from Swedish prison in 2006 after serving a total of 12 years behind bars as the maximum Swedish sentence for heroin smuggling is 14 years, which is usually reduced, the newspaper reported.

So why should the Thai side honor the agreement and transfer anyone if the agreed term of incarceration is not followed?

Given the number of times Thailand fails to honor agreements (Such as the current fiasco involving, Germany Thailand and the Princes Jet as well as The Thai Cambodia Temple dispute) the honoring of agreements would appear to be the exception as opposed to the rule.

[KhunBJ]

Ms Karolina, who wrote a book about her ordeal, was sentenced to serve 45 years in a Thai prison in 1994 before being transferred to Sweden after serving four years in Thailand "under an agreement she would serve the full sentence," the report said.

She was released from Swedish prison in 2006 after serving a total of 12 years behind bars as the maximum Swedish sentence for heroin smuggling is 14 years, which is usually reduced, the newspaper reported.

So why should the Thai side honor the agreement and transfer anyone if the agreed term of incarceration is not followed?

No Thai Citizen hurt or involved so why not transfer them ... Jails are full here already ;-) So I think they will get lucky.....

[snarky66]

This was a heinous crime. These dirtbags followed the victim to Phuket & then rented a house across the street so they could watch him. I would be for the death penalty.

[Tanaka]

This was a heinous crime. These dirtbags followed the victim to Phuket & then rented a house across the street so they could watch him. I would be for the death penalty.

Is not going to happen. (unfortunately for the rest of us). If they are transferred to Sweden after 6-8 years in a Thai prison, they would probably be set free in Sweden. On grounds that they had served 2/3 of a Swedish similar sentence! Justice served? In Sweden, rarely. Unless you by justice mean the welfare of criminals.

[ScubaBuddha]

Swedish sentence lol, they'll get like 3 years in a hotelroom-like cell. Comfy, good food (the food in swedish prisons is better than the food in swedish public schools...) and private TV.

If they've got money they'll get anything they want in a Thai jail.

Including getting released.

One of the more colorful people I have met here in Thailand, a Brit, claimed to have been sentenced to several years in prison in Chaing Mai for murder. He claims he was released by the warden after 6mo's or so once his girlfriend secured 1.5m baht.

[surangw]

Swedish sentence lol, they'll get like 3 years in a hotelroom-like cell. Comfy, good food (the food in swedish prisons is better than the food in swedish public schools...) and private TV.

If they've got money they'll get anything they want in a Thai jail.

except they will still be in a thai jail

[glomp]

All that swedish scam money they imported and spent in thailand should pay for a lenghty stay in a thai prison.

We can go splitsies no problem.

[allexx]

Swedish prison 2011.

[sfbandung]

Swedish prison 2011.

And check this out:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3261698,00.html

Is it just me? But from the start of this story (including the ridiculous 12 Thai men story when it was first reported) it just doesn't add up. These guys don't seem to have protested their innocence at all, which is pretty rare considering the consequences of being found guilty.

Someone mentioned in another thread that it looked like these guys are taking the fall under instructions from their superiors.

I have a feeling there is much more to this than meets the eye.

[stgrhe]

Keep them locked up here in Thailand and get rig of the keys.

[jalansanitwong]

The severity of the crime will be a factor in determining their eligibility for transfer ? How can the Thai officals even suggest a positive outcome. The swedes travelled down to Phuket,booked into a residence near the victim, stalked and butchered him. Thats not severe ??????

[TAWP]

Swedish prison 2011.

And check this out:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3261698,00.html

Is it just me? But from the start of this story (including the ridiculous 12 Thai men story when it was first reported) it just doesn't add up. These guys don't seem to have protested their innocence at all, which is pretty rare considering the consequences of being found guilty.

Someone mentioned in another thread that it looked like these guys are taking the fall under instructions from their superiors.

I have a feeling there is much more to this than meets the eye.

Your feeling is wrong. If you had any background-knowledge, or even bothered to read more than a botched first news report in the other thread, you would know a fair bit more...

[wallcracks]

Swedish prison 2011.

Sodertalje, about 50 miles south of Stockholm, is a maximum security facility housing Sweden's most violent offenders. An intense debate concerning the prison system here was set off in August of 2004 when Tommy Olson, a convicted cop-killer and several accomplices staged a dramatic break-out from Hall Prison with the help of guns and cell-phones they had gotten from corrupt prison staff. They were re-captured just days later after a nationwide manhunt. Now Swedes must decide the future of their prisons, whether they will follow the American model of tough punishment or maintain an approach designed to maintain the humanity of even the most hardened prisoner. For now, practical measures such as x-ray screening and background checks of staff members, have been adopted. Construction of a high-security prison wing is under consideration. ///One of two "apartments" at Hall Prison where inmates can receive family or friends. The apartment includes an adjoining bedroom for conjugal visits.

[graeme64]

try and read the article ladies and gents. they have to do 1/3 of the time here. 8years AND IF they are have a good record they can apply for a transfer.

so a) that is 8 years in thai prison and regardless of how much money you have that will not be fun,

and any one picks a fight with you any trouble that is blamed on you, you do not have a good record as a prisoner.

This is one of the worst/most misleading headlines even for this paper.

and c) these 3 stole 10mill thb form innocent (naive) people. 1 is dead and 2 are facing atleast 8 years in a thai prison. I dont believe in Fate/karma but I hope all the other peices of dirt who live in Thailand and run these scams do. food for thought scumbags.

G

[newermonkey]

The artical stated they would have to serve 8 years in a Thai jail before they have the option to serve out the remainder in a Swedish Luxury 4 Star establishment. Lots of people would not last 8 years in a Thai jail but they both look like tough Vikings.

[falangjim]

The artical stated they would have to serve 8 years in a Thai jail before they have the option to serve out the remainder in a Swedish Luxury 4 Star establishment. Lots of people would not last 8 years in a Thai jail but they both look like tough Vikings.

They look like a couple of poofs. It won't be long before blondie gets a boyfriend and that other monkey a daily dose of bananas in prison. Ef 'em. I hope they get shifted in Thai prison. Only then will justice have been served.

[RichardinBKK]

I am fascinated by your view of America's prison system. Tough by Swedish standards, but an average Hilton Hotel basic room is tough by that standard.

The thing that disturbs me about the forum is the notion that Thailand is unique in the fact that the more money you have, the better off you are. That . Is . Not . Unique.

In the USA, if you are Black, Hispanic, Poor to middle class (usually goes with the others) you will be indicted, convicted, sentenced and serve your time. if you are White, Wealthy (or both) you go by a different standard.

Newsflash..You can bribe cops in the US. You can hire lawyers who "magically' make your case vanish, you can live nicely in country club prisons and get out on your first parole review.

This is all rich talk from "Blokes" (is that correct?) whose country is smoldering.... Really funny...

Apologies to the person who posted this..that rant is not for you...just wanted to say that as an American...it is not the way you think it is.

Out over crowded prisons are a national disgrace...not something to be applauded. You see, in America...we carry guns... It is like wearing a gasoline suit to a BBQ.

Swedish prison 2011.

Sodertalje, about 50 miles south of Stockholm, is a maximum security facility housing Sweden's most violent offenders. An intense debate concerning the prison system here was set off in August of 2004 when Tommy Olson, a convicted cop-killer and several accomplices staged a dramatic break-out from Hall Prison with the help of guns and cell-phones they had gotten from corrupt prison staff. They were re-captured just days later after a nationwide manhunt. Now Swedes must decide the future of their prisons, whether they will follow the American model of tough punishment or maintain an approach designed to maintain the humanity of even the most hardened prisoner. For now, practical measures such as x-ray screening and background checks of staff members, have been adopted. Construction of a high-security prison wing is under consideration. ///One of two "apartments" at Hall Prison where inmates can receive family or friends. The apartment includes an adjoining bedroom for conjugal visits.

[thailandshasse]

Swedish sentence lol, they'll get like 3 years in a hotelroom-like cell. Comfy, good food (the food in swedish prisons is better than the food in swedish public schools...) and private TV.

It,s really A SHAME, SWEDISH GOVERNMENT PROTECTING CRIMINALS LIKE THAT !

What will be next step from the Swedish Governments ?

Pay under the table to Swedish Government, to be relased ???

Let the sit in Thai prison, as they remember what they have done.

Involved and care about the peiple, working with Russian MAFFIA, are nothing top play with.

Let them stay for lets say 25 year in Thai proson.

As we don,t have to see them on the street.

FOR GOD,S SAKE LET US BE ABLE TO WALK SAFE ON THE STREET !

[EJW]

Swedish sentence lol, they'll get like 3 years in a hotelroom-like cell. Comfy, good food (the food in swedish prisons is better than the food in swedish public schools...) and private TV.

If they've got money they'll get anything they want in a Thai jail.

I don't doubt that, but in Sweden the taxpayers would pay for all of it...

Btw, any information on what sort of scam they were running?

They apparently had a call center in a hotel owned by a Swede and were ripping off Swedes. The Russian Swede called the authorities on them. They were apparently making big bucks so they were not happy about it. We see what happened.

[MTH]

As mentioned by other posters, there are faults in the article, as well as the headline being way off.

If convicted, they would have to serve 1/3 of the sentence in Thailand, or at least 4 years.

The 8 year rule is for life time sentences, regarding to drug offences.

Here is an excerpt of the transfer agreement for penalties, between Sweden and Thailand:

In addition, a transfer to Sweden cannot occur before the convicted person has served a certain minimum part of the prison term in accordance with Thai legislation; at least four years or a third of the total prison sentence.

For a person sentenced to life imprisonment for drugs offences, however, at least eight years of the prison sentence must have been enforced in a prison in Thailand before the Thai authorities can consider the possibility of a transfer.

Source: Ministry of Justice, Sweden

[limegreenpatato]

the internet is a funny place. a bunch of people that have no clue what they are talking about...talking about issues. Just wondering how many people here have been to thai jail...or been to jail at all?

[thailandshasse]

I agree with many of the persons, who comments this PAIN IN THE ASS OF THE SWEDISH GOVERMENTS,

Really can some body bring JUSTICE, here, even if the persons have money, as I suppose.

Its, helps a lot WITH MONEY, even in Sweden ... as you can se ...

let them stay in Thai prison !

It,s A SHAME, in a country ( sweden ) WHO should be civilized, and protect tax payers, not criminals !!!