Condemned Police Officers, Two Others Freed On Bail: Thailand

[webfact]

CRIME

Condemned officers, two others freed on bail

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Five policemen convicted of killing a teenage boy as part of a government crackdown on narcotics during the first Thaksin Shinawatra government were yesterday granted temporary releases on bail.

Bail was set at Bt1 million for each policeman, and they are restricted from going abroad.

Three were sentenced to death, one to a life term and one for seven years. Criminal Court chief justice Thawee Prachuablarb said although the sentences were death penalties and a life term, a presiding judge could grant releases based on his own judgement and the convicts' indicating they would not flee.

Meanwhile, international rights groups have cheered the convictions in the extra-judicial killing cases, according to Deutsche Presse Agentur.

"This is an important step for the court to convict this group of police officers, who have been known for many years for their scary record on human rights violations," said Sunai Pasuk, from the New York-based Human Rights Watch.

The Bangkok Criminal Court handed down the death penalty on Monday for the three senior police sergeant-majors in the murder of Kiattisak Thitboonkrong, 17, in 2004 at the peak of a government-declared "war on drugs."

The sergeant-majors' commander, Pol Lieutenant Summit Nunsathit, was sentenced to life in prison for premeditated murder and Pol Colonel Montri Boonlue received seven years for abuse of authority for protecting his subordinates.

Kiattisak, who was found hanged in his cell, was one of an estimated 2,800 people killed during the crackdown on drug trafficking in 2003-2004.

"There were more than 20 murders allegedly linked to this police group," Sunai said. Monday’s convictions were the most serious sentences against police officers for abuses during the crackdown, which earned Thailand widespread criticism among human rights groups.

Amnesty International, however, criticised the death sentences, which the group opposes in all cases.

-- The Nation 2012-08-01

[rheinwiese]

Bail for convicts on death row?

You gotta be kidding me.

TIT

[Somtamnication]

Only in Thailand. Nothing to lose now. Off they go, looking for witnesses. Truly incredible.

[OzMick]

Did they put up their own bail, or did those giving the orders arrange for the government to pay it for them?

[gk10002000]

Permanent bail and out and as long as they stay under the radar and keep a low profile they might get by. Amazing Thailand. If they did the crime as stated, welll.... sad

[waza]

This is totally unbelievable, amazing Thailand

[petedk]

Amazing Thailand indeed. What other country in the world would give bail to someone sentenced to death?

These guys have nothing to lose now and can easily carry out a couple of revenge killings.

Now I understand why Chalerm wants the quick execution of convicted drug dealers.

Edited August 1, 2012 by petedk

[maidu]

conviction: good. release: bad. Very bad call by jurists there, not only are those guys a flight risk, they're still dangerous, and it's no mystery who might be their next victims. It gives new meaning to the phrase; 'above the law.'

[jerrysteve]

BAIL for convicted murderers. They don't call it "AMAZING" Thailand for nothing.

And they think they have a shot at becomine the HUB of Asia.

The only thing they are is the BOOB of Asia!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Reasonableman]

"There were more than 20 murders allegedly linked to this police group," Sunai said."

So give them bail... the correct decision is obvious

[jerrysteve]

What a Pathetic Country. It will be interesting to see how the foreinger on trial for killing his ole lady fairs.

I don't think he will get BAIL

[OzMick]

Could it be that those who wish to distance themselves from the killings in the war on drugs are afraid that those facing severe penalties may decide to give evidence regarding direct orders?

If the area commander is facing years inside, why wouldn't those further up the chain of command be eligible for the same penalties?

[waza]

Three were sentenced to death, one to a life term and one for seven years. Criminal Court chief justice Thawee Prachuablarb said although the sentences were death penalties and a life term, a presiding judge could grant releases based on his own judgement and the convicts' indicating they would not flee.

lol this is the most amazing bit.

[scorecard]

The story, as usual from this source, lacks numerous relevant details.

By the law of Thailand, do they still have the right of appeal to a higher court?

If they do, then they must be given that opportunity, but bail?

Can a judge make a personal decision on bail with no reference to anything other than his own whims? Somehow I doubt that. Surely there is some properly formed structured analysis which must be followed and must be documented for court records: 1). Whether the person is likely to flee, 2). Whether the person is likley to intimidate others, especially the family concerned here, 3), 4) For some offences surely there is no chance of bail.

If the answers to 1. and 2., are NO, then surely there is a structured system of deciding the amount of bail, not just based on the whims of one man.

The story also mentions that this out of control gang of cops (something like 20 in total) have a very scaly track record, surely that would be enough to indicate they are a risk. And lets' not forget the cops are a closed brotherhood, they protect their own no matter what they have done.

Was the bail money actually paid before they were released? Or was it promised to be paid, or did someone say they will some land deeds next week? Again no details in the news piece.

What must this feel like for the family who have gone through hell in terms of the loss of a young family member, and the fact that he was strung up and died from his neck being stretched - a horrid way to die. If I was the father or mother I would be having graphic nightmares on this aspect alone, forever.

The family have also gone through hell for many years in their quest for justice, probably scared all the time that someone will take rogue action (violence) to punish them / to frighten them off .

On one hand another court has just charged a large group of people with serious offences in regard to disrespect for the court (which really means disrespect for the law) and harrassment of the judges of the same court.

One of the most serious problems in this country is lack of respect for the law, along with an attitude that the law can be twisted, ignored, paid off, and more. And many of the leaders of this wonderful country (leaders for decades in fact) are the worst offenders.

One court tries to gain some respect for the law, another court makes a laughing stock of the law.

Underlying all of this, in the Kalasin case (in any case), is one of the most serious tenants of the law; the law must be done and must be seen to be done, And justice must be given to those who are victims.

Edited August 1, 2012 by scorecard

[jerrysteve]

It will be interesting to see what the EXpat Dorset gets for bumping off his old lady...probably a Dinner at a 6 Star Hotel, with all the trimmings!

[Thaddeus]

Incredible.

The only thing left to believe in is Karma, as nothing else in this so called civilised country appears to work.

[jerrysteve]

Is there any rule of Law? Answer: No! Thailand is unforturnately the laughing to stock of the world.

Is it any wonder why they have the bad worldwide reputation they do?

People get the type of governement they want. They vote the same all the time.

[beammeup]

Laughing stock? This makes me sick to my stomach. I only hope that the media spotlight stays on this case so the family members stay safe.

[Credo]

I believe that there were witnesses who testified and had been protected in some version of a witness protection program. They have now been released from that program to fend for themselves.

I have a feeling that when this case is appealed, the witnesses will all have either disappeared or will be dead.

Very sad for a lot of people.

[simple1]

As the police have now been sentenced the family no longer has access to the Witness Protection Program. Now that the convicted are out on bail, let's hope for the sake of the family this is immediately re-instated.

[Moruya]

Staggered

[Thai at Heart]

And you wonder why occasionally, a few Thai people get their knickers in a twist about injustice.

I am sure the families of the victims will sleep very soundly now, safe in the knowledge that the criminals are not locked up. What was the point in the trial at all if people can avoid having their freedom removed. Let us not forget that a copper was recently sentenced to 1700 years in jail for embezzling 500k, (reduced very sympathetically to 50 years), but murderers can be released on bail.

Granting bail to CONVICTED murderers is absolutely incredible. It is bad enough that they grant it to accused murderers who then can spend their time intimidating witnesses, but for what purpose is a judgement if the system can then return your freedom for a payment of bail (small fee). In fact one could say, the entire process was a complete waste of money and time, so why have courts at all. Justice would have been probably more reasonably meted out, if the victims had just got a lynch mob.

[noitom]

Bail was "arranged," judges were coached, promises were made not to flee by "condemned death row" prisoners. Passports were not confiscated.

[Thai at Heart]

The story, as usual from this source, lacks numerous relevant details.

By the law of Thailand, do they still have the right of appeal to a higher court?

If they do, then they must be given that opportunity, but bail?

Can a judge make a personal decision on bail with no reference to anything other than his own whims? Somehow I doubt that. Surely there is some properly formed structured analysis which must be followed and must be documented for court records: 1). Whether the person is likely to flee, 2). Whether the person is likley to intimidate others, especially the family concerned here, 3), 4) For some offences surely there is no chance of bail.

If the answers to 1. and 2., are NO, then surely there is a structured system of deciding the amount of bail, not just based on the whims of one man.

The story also mentions that this out of control gang of cops (something like 20 in total) have a very scaly track record, surely that would be enough to indicate they are a risk. And lets' not forget the cops are a closed brotherhood, they protect their own no matter what they have done.

Was the bail money actually paid before they were released? Or was it promised to be paid, or did someone say they will some land deeds next week? Again no details in the news piece.

What must this feel like for the family who have gone through hell in terms of the loss of a young family member, and the fact that he was strung up and died from his neck being stretched - a horrid way to die. If I was the father or mother I would be having graphic nightmares on this aspect alone, forever.

The family have also gone through hell for many years in their quest for justice, probably scared all the time that someone will take rogue action (violence) to punish them / to frighten them off .

On one hand another court has just charged a large group of people with serious offences in regard to disrespect for the court (which really means disrespect for the law) and harrassment of the judges of the same court.

One of the most serious problems in this country is lack of respect for the law, along with an attitude that the law can be twisted, ignored, paid off, and more. And many of the leaders of this wonderful country (leaders for decades in fact) are the worst offenders.

One court tries to gain some respect for the law, another court makes a laughing stock of the law.

Underlying all of this, in the Kalasin case (in any case), is one of the most serious tenants of the law; the law must be done and must be seen to be done, And justice must be given to those who are victims.

Well, with the lack of precedent law in Thailand, one would imagine that it is down to the individual judgement of the court on that day.

This in and of itself is one of the most frustrating things about the system here. One day, in a given part of the country a case can be heard, and a judgement made, in another part of the country, on the same day, an absolutely identical case can be heard and a completely different judgement handed down. Beyond that, it means that thousands of frivolous cases are brought to court day after day, the judgements of which in similar situations have been handed down thousands of time before, but are pursued because there is always the chance that the court may go in your favour.

It is bizarre and creates all sorts of opportunities for problems, and in the end serves only to create frustration and the belief that the little guy doesn't get a fair shake of the stick when in court versus someone higher up the food chain.

Edited August 1, 2012 by Thai at Heart

[Pib]

This country is simply unbelieveable in many ways...dangerously unbelieveable.

[Thai at Heart]

Now I know why they were all grinning in the pictures of them being led away after sentencing.

[mac1970]

There are no too many countries in the world where this is everyday stuff

Very bad indeed. Just hope these come public, out of this HUB of crimes(sorry my HUB behaviour) and sorrow

Ordinary people would deserve better than this. Two sides in this coin we have, very different, very extreme

and so unknown by public outside of Thailand. Maybe country would need some bad publicity globally to make

things done...there is nothing more important than lovely and beautiful view of turist destination and you don't

mess up with that one...too many pockets waiting money around THE business

[carra]

In the UK it is not unusual for bail to be granted after conviction and before sentencing for pre sentence reports to be done, but I have never seen it happen for murderers but I could be wrong, and certainly not after sentencing.

Edited August 1, 2012 by carra

[maeab]

They have appealed there cases and can remain free on bail. And if they are found guilty. They can appeal the case one more time.

Edited August 1, 2012 by maeab

[jaltsc]

Did they put up the bail in baht or just a large trunk, full of funny looking white stuff?