Pongsapat Denies Shoplifting Allegations: Bangkok Governor Race 2013

[webfact]

BANGKOK GOVERNOR RACE 2013

Pongsapat denies shoplifting allegations

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The ruling Pheu Thai Party's Bangkok gubernatorial candidate Pol General Pongsapat Pongcharoen yesterday sought to quash allegations that he'd been prosecuted for shoplifting in the US.

Submitting a written explanation with Pol Lt-General Thaweesak Tuchinda, chairman of the Bangkok office of the Election Commission, Pongsapat said the allegation came up in 1998. A Royal Thai Police investigation team looked into the matter two years later and found he was innocent.

Pongsapat also denied that he had his name changed from Pairat to Pong-sapat following the allegations in order to circumvent a rule that people with criminal records should not be entitled to become a police general.

Thaweesak, asked by reporters whe-ther evidence from a US court would have any impact, responded that the Bangkok election officials would determine whether this could be applied to Thai law.

Further, Thaweesak said that only people imprisoned for two years or more are not qualified to contest the gubernatorial election.

"There is no use" for Pongsapat's rivals to try and use the shoplifting allegations, Thaweesak said, adding they risk violating the election law.

Justice Minister Pracha Promnok said he "has no information" regarding Pongsapat's alleged shoplifting case.

Pongsapat meanwhile campaigned in the Ram-Indra area, accompanied by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Paveena Hongsakul, a former Bangkok governor candidate.

His campaign posters and leaflets are produced by How Come Studio, which is owned by ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's son Panthongtae and friends.

Democrat Party candidate MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra campaigned in the Silom area, accompanied by former Metropolitan Police chief Maj-General Wichai Sangprapai, who is expected to become a deputy governor if Sukhumbhand is re-elected.

Sukhumbhand stepped down as the Bangkok governor last week, shortly before his term ended on January 10.

The election is scheduled for March 3.

-- The Nation 2013-01-17

[Soutpeel]

"A Royal Thai Police investigation team looked into the matter two years later and found he was innocent"

OK but what conclusion did the American police come to more importantly seeing as the charges were laid in the US ?

"Further, Thaweesak said that only people imprisoned for two years or more are not qualified to contest the gubernatorial election"

Based on that comment, it could suggest that he was convicted of a crime in the US ?

[bigbamboo]

The RTP investigated an incident that happened in the US and found him innocent two years later?..... he changed his name to avoid a criminal record? .......you can only be banned if you get a two year jail term......

There's no smoke without fire and in this case no shortage of mirrors either.

[GentlemanJim]

I am amazed that PTP have not tried to silence the press by slapping a class action for defamation on them.

[LaoPo]

32 years ago...

The alleged theft occurred in 1980 while he was studying criminology in the US under a scholarship.

From:

http://www.asianews.co/pongsapat-clears-himself-with-ec/

Maybe he did, maybe he didn't take a radio from a shop.

Anyway, it's supposed to be a crime and if there was a crime, there should be a police report.

So, where did he study and which police department was responsible?

Piece of cake for the real US investigators amongst us.

[Soutpeel]

The alleged theft occurred in 1980 while he was studying criminology in the US under a scholarship.

......maybe it was part of his course practical work

It would appear he and our man in Dubai misunderstood the intent of the degree....maybe they took it because they thought they would we taught how to be a criminals....

[Katipo]

Sheeesh, if he just came clean and admitted he made a mistake when he was a misguided youth, people might understand. But oh no, it has to be lies, half truths, and name changes. What a farce!

Did someone mention he was also a Police General?

[AleG]

I am amazed that PTP have not tried to silence the press by slapping a class action for defamation on them.

They are already hinting at something like that:

"There is no use" for Pongsapat's rivals to try and use the shoplifting allegations, Thaweesak said, adding they risk violating the election law.

[Buchholz]

Sheeesh, if he just came clean and admitted he made a mistake when he was a misguided youth, people might understand. But oh no, it has to be lies, half truths, and name changes. What a farce!

Did someone mention he was also a Police General?

He doesn't qualify as a "misguided youth" as he was attending graduate school working on a PhD at Thaksin's alma mater university.

He's Police General "Doctor" Pongsapat.

.

.

Edited January 17, 2013 by Buchholz

[Soutpeel]

Sheeesh, if he just came clean and admitted he made a mistake when he was a misguided youth, people might understand. But oh no, it has to be lies, half truths, and name changes. What a farce!

Did someone mention he was also a Police General?

He doesn't qualify as a "misguided youth" as he was attending graduate school working on a PhD at Thaksin's alma mater university.

He's Police General "Doctor" Pongsapat.

.

.

But you misunderstand.... practical field work was requirement of his PhD...

[sungod]

32 years ago...

The alleged theft occurred in 1980 while he was studying criminology in the US under a scholarship.

From:

http://www.asianews....imself-with-ec/

Maybe he did, maybe he didn't take a radio from a shop.

Anyway, it's supposed to be a crime and if there was a crime, there should be a police report.

So, where did he study and which police department was responsible?

Piece of cake for the real US investigators amongst us.

He studied Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State U in Texas

[hellodolly]

"Justice Minister Pracha Promnok said he "has no information" regarding Pongsapat's alleged shoplifting case."

He maybe has no information because he dosen't want it.

The Royal Thai Police have all the information he needs to be aware of it.

A quick check with the authorities in the states might then be in order to see what there on the scene and time version was. As compared to the Royal Thai Police 14,000 kilometers away two year later investigation.

[Payboy]

Shoplifting

Just honing skills for the guvs job?

[slapout]

If you do not have anything to hide, owe any favors, nor know something on somebody higher up, in this colation government, your an outsider, thus you are not invited or allowed to attend the circle jerk.

[Fozfromoz]

Shoplifting

Just honing skills for the guvs job?

Perhaps he was just doing the practical phase of the hydraulic engineering component, how to "lift" something.

[geriatrickid]

Conviction of a crime in the USA would have likely caused his visa to be revoked. Even back then, the USA was strict on such matters. He would have lost his scholarship as well. Yet, the end result is that he was not asked to leave the USA and he graduated with distinction.

You know this matter is easily verified. Criminal records can be checked with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

If he was convicted of a crime it would have been recorded and yet none of the accusers has cited the case number.

[LarryBird]

The humor of it all is how many laws there are in this country. You can't run for governor if you've been imprisoned for 2 years or more??????

[Pimay1]

Conviction of a crime in the USA would have likely caused his visa to be revoked. Even back then, the USA was strict on such matters. He would have lost his scholarship as well. Yet, the end result is that he was not asked to leave the USA and he graduated with distinction.

You know this matter is easily verified. Criminal records can be checked with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

If he was convicted of a crime it would have been recorded and yet none of the accusers has cited the case number.

Yes sir GK I'm with you. I believe this gentleman is pure and clean as the driven snow. After all why would anyone in their right mind even hint of a Pol General and confidant of Khun T plus a member of the PTP having anything to do with commiting a crime or lying? Utterly shameful to treat this good man like this.

It is surely a witch hunt. Seems like witch hunts are getting popular these days dosen't it?

Edited January 17, 2013 by Pimay1

[Locationthailand]

"... denied that he had his name changed from Pairat to Pong-sapat following the allegations in order to circumvent a rule that people with criminal records should not be entitled to become a police general".

Surely that would let go many of the current office holders or maybe they are the ones who have yet to be convicted? Anyway, shoplifting? Compared to the wholesale theft of billions of Baht by politicians in government, it is hardly newsworthy. Let sleeping dogs lie and this was done in his youth. He became a 'cop' so he must have seen the errors of his ways I doubt PTP can field a decent candidate with any hope of success on their present track record.

[OzMick]

"Justice Minister Pracha Promnok said he "has no information" regarding Pongsapat's alleged shoplifting case."

He maybe has no information because he dosen't want it.

The Royal Thai Police have all the information he needs to be aware of it.

A quick check with the authorities in the states might then be in order to see what there on the scene and time version was. As compared to the Royal Thai Police 14,000 kilometers away two year later investigation.

That would be 20 years after the alleged offence. If a police inquiry could find no evidence of Chalerm Jnr's offences, this would be a doddle........what police rank did he hold at the that time?

[GentlemanJim]

"... denied that he had his name changed from Pairat to Pong-sapat following the allegations in order to circumvent a rule that people with criminal records should not be entitled to become a police general".

Surely that would let go many of the current office holders or maybe they are the ones who have yet to be convicted? Anyway, shoplifting? Compared to the wholesale theft of billions of Baht by politicians in government, it is hardly newsworthy. Let sleeping dogs lie and this was done in his youth. He became a 'cop' so he must have seen the errors of his ways I doubt PTP can field a decent candidate with any hope of success on their present track record.

The difference between pilfering a radio and 50 billion baht is just in the size of your pockets and the armour plated umbrella you hold.

[Soutpeel]

"... denied that he had his name changed from Pairat to Pong-sapat following the allegations in order to circumvent a rule that people with criminal records should not be entitled to become a police general".

Surely that would let go many of the current office holders or maybe they are the ones who have yet to be convicted? Anyway, shoplifting? Compared to the wholesale theft of billions of Baht by politicians in government, it is hardly newsworthy. Let sleeping dogs lie and this was done in his youth. He became a 'cop' so he must have seen the errors of his ways I doubt PTP can field a decent candidate with any hope of success on their present track record.

The difference between pilfering a radio and 50 billion baht is just in the size of your pockets and the armour plated umbrella you hold.

Yeap steal THB 1 or THB 1 billion..its still theft

[Pimay1]

"... denied that he had his name changed from Pairat to Pong-sapat following the allegations in order to circumvent a rule that people with criminal records should not be entitled to become a police general".

Surely that would let go many of the current office holders or maybe they are the ones who have yet to be convicted? Anyway, shoplifting? Compared to the wholesale theft of billions of Baht by politicians in government, it is hardly newsworthy. Let sleeping dogs lie and this was done in his youth. He became a 'cop' so he must have seen the errors of his ways I doubt PTP can field a decent candidate with any hope of success on their present track record.

The difference between pilfering a radio and 50 billion baht is just in the size of your pockets and the armour plated umbrella you hold.

Yeap steal THB 1 or THB 1 billion..its still theft

"I'm not a crook". Where have I heard this before?

[TackyToo]

At least the guy was smart enough not to shop at Kings duty free at Suvarnabhumi

[Thait Spot]

There may be considerable egg flying around if this guy was guilty of theft.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[siampolee]

You know this matter is easily verified. Criminal records can be checked with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

If he was convicted of a crime it would have been recorded and yet none of the accusers has cited the case number.

Well come on G.K as you appear to be the resident expert on the matter why don't you do the leg work and exonerate your hero ?

[EyesWideOpen]

You know this matter is easily verified. Criminal records can be checked with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

If he was convicted of a crime it would have been recorded and yet none of the accusers has cited the case number.

Well come on G.K as you appear to be the resident expert on the matter why don't you do the leg work and exonerate your hero ?

Exonerate or dig a hole for him, depending on the outcome. ......

Generally in Thailand where there is smoke there is fire. If true it should be simple enough to prove.

If false it is pretty vicious defamation. Hopefully someone on this board with some law connections could look this up.

[Fookhaht]

You know this matter is easily verified. Criminal records can be checked with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

If he was convicted of a crime it would have been recorded and yet none of the accusers has cited the case number.

Well come on G.K as you appear to be the resident expert on the matter why don't you do the leg work and exonerate your hero ?

Generally in Thailand where there is smoke there is fire.

...as contrasted with what other country/countries?

I see that statement as a kind of a backhanded national slur translated as, "In Thailand if there's a hint of guilt, they're probably guilty!"

[khunken]

Well if the police 'committee' that found him innocent was anything like the MoD committee that found Abhisit 'guilty', it's pretty worthless.

As Sir Humphrey once said: 'you first determine the result when setting up an investigative committee' or words to that effect.

[EyesWideOpen]

You know this matter is easily verified. Criminal records can be checked with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

If he was convicted of a crime it would have been recorded and yet none of the accusers has cited the case number.

Well come on G.K as you appear to be the resident expert on the matter why don't you do the leg work and exonerate your hero ?

Generally in Thailand where there is smoke there is fire.

...as contrasted with what other country/countries?

I see that statement as a kind of a backhanded national slur translated as, "In Thailand if there's a hint of guilt, they're probably guilty!"

Wow !!!!!!!! I think you have some issues...... It just so happens that expression is used all around the world. Or if you have some kind of issue with that one, how about this one from the Bard.

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks." Hamlet