Immunity for Thai senator who shot ex-wife

BANGKOK, Oct 22, 2012 (AFP) - Thailand's Senate on Monday voted to deny a request by the police to question one of its members who shot his ex-wife at the dinner table with an Uzi 9mm pistol.

Upper house lawmakers voted 94-2 to uphold Boonsong Kowawisarat's constitutional right to immunity during the parliamentary session.

"After the session ends on November 28 police can take him for questioning," Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn told AFP. "A senator should do his job during a parliamentary session."

Boonsong has said the death was an accident caused by ill health following a stroke. He said the gun went off while he was trying to remove a jammed bullet, fatally wounding Chanakarn Detkard, 46, who was also his secretary.

Police said Boonsong, who is the representative for northern Mae Hong Son province, is likely to be charged with causing death by negligence.

If convicted, he faces a maximum punishment of 10 years' imprisonment and a 20,000 baht ($670) fine.

Under the constitution, a lawmaker cannot be arrested, detained or summoned as a suspect in a criminal inquiry during a parliamentary session without permission from the house.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-10-22

Of course, it was merely a legislative manoeuvre when the parliamentarian requested the butter to be passed. In that he is definitely entitled to enjoy immunity.

What a joke.

Seems reasonable in a system where some are more equal than others.

What a joke.

I know, it's not even a "good" lie. Pretty amazing.

So what's a stroke sufferer doing with a machine pistol at the dinner table. Quite obviously the bullet became unnamed ending up in his secretary.

Anyone want to buy some flying pigs?

This country becomes more farcical day by day.

Great news, I was worried he would be held accountable for shooting his ex wife.

I'd say time for a coup. Last ditch attempt to save the country.

What a joke.

I know, it's not even a "good" lie. Pretty amazing.

As long it isn't expected, that forensics is looking 'taff' into the details, it's the best statement, he could probably do!

"He said the gun went off while he was trying to remove a jammed bullet"

And because he has time, to think on details, now, it may fit even with the bullet channel and the explanation, how he was trying, to remove the bullet:

Sitting, standing, his wife sitting standing, the distance of the weapon to the victim, the blood splatter, the angle of the bullet chanel.

I do think, that his defender will get all this details, before he has to tell his story!

Works fine, for him.

I'm a bit worried about the '2' from the 94-2 voting!

Boonsong has said the death was an accident caused by ill health following a stroke. He said the gun went off while he was trying to remove a jammed bullet, fatally wounding Chanakarn Detkard, 46, who was also his secretary.

Damage Control? On the 14th of August this year the reports had

"Boonsong Kowawisarat, 56, killed Chanakarn Detkard, 46, when he mistakenly fired the 9mm Uzi as he tried to put it away after placing it on the table."

""Senator Boonsong's gun was accidentally fired off while he was trying to keep his pistol into its case. The shot went straight into his secretary who was having dinner," Police Lt. Colonel Choosak Pulsawat told CNN."

I'm a bit worried about the '2' from the 94-2 voting!

A dinner has been arranged now.

The only reason for a 'jammed bullet' would be a misfire. Perhaps the bullet he's refering to was the next one in the magazine after he shot his wife / secretary?

It's the kind of thing people do every day.

Take the ex-wife, come secretary out to dinner. Whip out whatever hardware their packing. Start fiddling with it in the middle of a restaurant, and whumpata, off it goes.

Could happen to anyone.

''After the session ends on November 28 police can take him for questioning," Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn told AFP.

Yes, of course they will. Assuming he hasn't done a runner before then. Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen.

This country becomes more farcical day by day.

We already know it is. Third world, forth world, take your pick . Corruption has no bounds here. Cash is key. Very sad.

Thank god he got immunity, I was worried Thailand may decend into a democratic country that abides by the rule of law. The good news is that there is no chance of that, fugitive criminal leader thinks and the PTP government acts.

So what's a stroke sufferer doing with a machine pistol at the dinner table. Quite obviously the bullet became unnamed ending up in his secretary.

Anyone want to buy some flying pigs?

Not just his secretary, but ...

who shot his ex-wife at the dinner table

Thank god he got immunity, I was worried Thailand may decend into a democratic country that abides by the rule of law. The good news is that there is no chance of that, fugitive criminal leader thinks and the PTP government acts.

In this case that has nothing to do with it, I think. It's just the general idea and the fear to set a precedence.

BTW to all interested, maybe first read thev old thread from the 13th of August when the 'accident' happened:

http://www.thaivisa....l-gun-accident/

Boonsong has said the death was an accident caused by ill health following a stroke. He said the gun went off while he was trying to remove a jammed bullet, fatally wounding Chanakarn Detkard, 46, who was also his secretary.

Well officer we were having a delightful meal, unfortunately my 9mm Uzi I was carrying was becoming uncomfortable so I decided to remove it as I placed it on the table, I noticed a bullet was jammed so I attempted to remove it, the dam_n thing went off I am sad to say that a round struck my secretary who was my ex-wife.

She wasn't much good as a wife but a darn good secretary I am so sorry, now I have to go through the trouble of interviewing candidates to fill the now vacant post.

The only explanation I can offer is that it happened because of a stroke I recently suffered, I am now on my way to Parliament please do not disturb me any further, however you can make an appointment through my secretary when I get one!

What a joke, Thailand is being run by these low life who blatantly flout the law with impunity, but don't worry the PM's 'transparency' pledge will ensure Thailand's citizens are aware of the outcome?

She wasn't much good as a wife but a darn good secretary I am so sorry, now I have to go through the trouble of interviewing candidates to fill the now vacant post.

Anyone knows, if he has/had a new wife/ex wife?

Maybe the position for a secretary was needed?

Anyone who has had basic training with small arms would never let this happen. Perhaps the guy thought he was above basic training.

BUT, most LOS drivers are above basic training eh.

Excusal for politicians from outside matters while parliament is sitting is understandable and probsbly even sensible. But in a case where a death has occured by misadventure allegedly at the hands of the member .... 'immunity'? .... honestly?

I hope this makes international news, that the world can see the state this country is in, hopefully some of the worlds governments might start to question Thailand's legal system and start with some gentle nudges in the right direction toward a proper legal system. Fingers crossed.

Sent from my GT-I9003

She wasn't much good as a wife but a darn good secretary I am so sorry, now I have to go through the trouble of interviewing candidates to fill the now vacant post.

Anyone knows, if he has/had a new wife/ex wife?

Maybe the position for a secretary was needed?

Aaah, the plot thickens!

Actually, not to split hairs, but I think it was a 9mm semi, also manufactured by Uzi; not the famous mini submachine gun depicted here.

So what's a stroke sufferer doing with a machine pistol at the dinner table. Quite obviously the bullet became unnamed ending up in his secretary.

Anyone want to buy some flying pigs?

He probably nearly had a stroke when he released he had just shot her. But then he remembered he's a HiSo and will probably after a little bit of bad press he will still get off with a slap on the hand for shooting her.

Had a stoke?

Sure he was stroking the trigger mechanism thus he got excited stroked a little harder thus causing the weapon to discharge.

All this whilst whispering sweet nothings no doubt into his ex wife's ear.

My sweet, you're getting nothing more from me after this meal,sorry.

'Pon me soul, (better than expletives) what was that bang,?

Ah well nothing more to worry about my sweet.

did he have to pay someone off , or does he have some dirt on the decision makers?

What a joke.

I know, it's not even a "good" lie. Pretty amazing.

As long it isn't expected, that forensics is looking 'taff' into the details, it's the best statement, he could probably do!

"He said the gun went off while he was trying to remove a jammed bullet"

And because he has time, to think on details, now, it may fit even with the bullet channel and the explanation, how he was trying, to remove the bullet:

Sitting, standing, his wife sitting standing, the distance of the weapon to the victim, the blood splatter, the angle of the bullet chanel.

I do think, that his defender will get all this details, before he has to tell his story!

Works fine, for him.

I'm a bit worried about the '2' from the 94-2 voting!

If the Senate has 100 members that means there must be 4 abstentions...

Wonder how long they will be able to extend the sitting of the house?

did he have to pay someone off , or does he have some dirt on the decision makers?

He didn't have to pay anyone off. Politicians get immunity while parliament is in session.