Kamnan Poh Arrested In Bangkok

[khaowong1]

Well, I believe the arresting team all left their handcuffs behind at the office in their haste to make toll booth arrest the man.

I like his shirt, looks like a lacoste.

Well, I believe the arresting team all left their handcuffs behind at the office in their haste to make toll booth arrest the man.

I like his shirt, looks like a lacoste.

A conniving, murdering fugitive on the run, with a shotgun, gets tracked down by the police and he's walking around like a day in the park.

Kind of reminds you of John Gotti.... or for you that are too young, maybe The Soprano's...

[JetsetBkk]

<snip>

http://www.khaosod.c...PQ==&sectionid=

He looks genuinely upset.

Great, isn't it.

[Thai at Heart]

<snip>

http://www.khaosod.c...PQ==&sectionid=

He looks genuinely upset.

Great, isn't it.

Looks like he had a bit of plastic along the way too. Not going there for my nip and tuck.

All in all great, but heads will roll for this one.

Edited January 30, 2013 by Thai at Heart

[JetsetBkk]

Bang him up and throw away the keys.

And then, find and prosecute those responsible for helping this man stay on the run for so long.

Including the doctor who has been treating him.

Huh? He's the only one obligated to deal with him. Hippocratic oath and all.

If they banged them all up, i guess they would be hiring hard in the chonburi police.

The Hippocratic oath has nothing to do with informing the police of the whereabouts of a wanted criminal. it is about practising medicine ethically and honestly. (Had to look it up )

[Thai at Heart]

Bang him up and throw away the keys.

And then, find and prosecute those responsible for helping this man stay on the run for so long.

Including the doctor who has been treating him.

Huh? He's the only one obligated to deal with him. Hippocratic oath and all.

If they banged them all up, i guess they would be hiring hard in the chonburi police.

The Hippocratic oath has nothing to do with informing the police of the whereabouts of a wanted criminal. it is about practising medicine ethically and honestly. (Had to look it up )

I would believe that the doctor was probably the one that shopped him.

If there is any actor in this whole story who could possibly have some ethics and hate ptp.

[Bagwan]

I remember at his last appeal that one of his crowd withdrew their evidence against him. When asked why he had signed his confession he said that his eyesight was poor and he couldn't read what had been written. He was then asked what his specialist qualification was in the Army. He answered 'a sniper'. I fell out of bed laughing at that.

[whybother]

Good.

A criminal was arrested.

Since all posters seem to dislike him, I assume he is linked to the other convicted criminal on the run.

Now.

Have any coup makers been arrested yet?

Sorry, silly question, coups are not against the law.

Coups are against the law, especially when they fail. When they're successful they usually don't go to jail for it, unless a subsequent opposition coup happens to be successful.

[Arkady]

How can he get bail, if he has been convicted by the highest court possible for this kind of crime? Bail is only possible, if the whole process has not been final.

Nevertheless I guess he will have a (or several?) luxurious cell and a top level medical support team, which will make it look like some holiday w/o the seaview...

His sons, a mininster, a governour and a lord mayor will make sure he will not feel distressed in any way and that his business dealings will be smooth...On second thought, this might have been a political game to reduce the power of his family's party within the gov't coalition.

You got it in one. Too many waves made the son wanting the Tourism and Sports Ministry instead of Culture. Teach him who has the real power and to shut his mouth.

[Arkady]

Good.

A criminal was arrested.

Since all posters seem to dislike him, I assume he is linked to the other convicted criminal on the run.

Now.

Have any coup makers been arrested yet?

Sorry, silly question, coups are not against the law.

They may be all connected. In the first Thaksin administration there was a lot of pressure on small parties to merge with Thai Rak Thai. Some threw in the towel like Chavalit and Chalerm also gave his one man Muang Chon party to move in with the big man. Others like Watana Asavahame and Kamnan Po refused and their small parties are still a nuisance in the Pheua Thai coalition today. Watana's legal problems seemed to start about the time of his rejection of Big T's offer and so did Kamnan Po's which could of course just be coincidence. The fourth famous fugitive Jakrophob Nualkhair was Thaksin's government spokesman and openly lives in Cambodia under the protection of Hun Sen. He is wanted by the police in connection with an article he wrote that was published in Voice of Thaksin. The editor of VoT was sentenced to 10 years in prison last week for publishing Jakrophob's article which was deemed in violation of Section 112 of the Penal Code.

Edited January 30, 2013 by Arkady

[Buchholz]

Sonthaya, his son, former Thai Rak Thai Party MP and Sports/Tourism Minister in Thaksin's Cabinet. He's currently the Culture Minister in Yingluck's Cabinet:

Wittaya, his son, President of the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organisation. Also President of the Chonburi Football Club:

Ittipol, his son, Former Thai Rak Thai Party MP and current Mayor of Pattaya (and long-time Boy Scout):

Looking forward to the press conferences of his three active politician family members explaining how for the past 7 years they've not had any contact with him, have not supported him in anyway, and were actively assisting authorities in apprehending him.

That's gonna be some serious spin and denials.

Or, maybe they'll all surprise us (like Somchai actually going to prison) and confess, resign, and plead guilty to all aiding and abetting charges resulting.

Nawww..... only one surprise per family allowed.

Got the answer...... No need for spin or denials. They are all in the clear according to police captain DPM

The Nation - Jan. 31, 2013

Chalerm said there would be no attempt to take legal action against anyone who may have sheltered Somchai during his seven-year flight from justice, though criminal liability does exist for such an offence. He did not elaborate on the statement.

.

[AleG]

Got the answer...... No need for spin or denials. They are all in the clear according to police captain DPM

The Nation - Jan. 31, 2013

Chalerm said there would be no attempt to take legal action against anyone who may have sheltered Somchai during his seven-year flight from justice, though criminal liability does exist for such an offence. He did not elaborate on the statement.

.

Why, of course they wouldn't, would they?

What a can of worms that would open regarding the Dear Leader, I picture the entire PTP and UDD gang to be charged if that concept takes root..

[jbrain]

On June 21, 2004, the Criminal Court sentenced the two men to 25 years each in jail after finding them guilty of hiring gunmen for Bt3 million to kill Prayoon.

It is clear from this line in the report that Khunplome is not well connected at all, as I read so many times from the really connected members on this forum that a hitman cost nothing more than 20.000 Baht.

[jbrain]

They moved a new head of police to chonburi 6 months ago. Brave man

He wasn't caught in Chonburi

But I doubt he was arrested because the toll booth clerck recognised him.

[DiNiro]

Good.

A criminal was arrested.

Since all posters seem to dislike him, I assume he is linked to the other convicted criminal on the run.

Now.

Have any coup makers been arrested yet?

Sorry, silly question, coups are not against the law.

Coups are against the law, especially when they fail. When they're successful they usually don't go to jail for it, unless a subsequent opposition coup happens to be successful.

The coup makers gave themselves amnesty...and they have that great no talking rule that keeps the opposition from exposing them.

[whybother]

Good.

A criminal was arrested.

Since all posters seem to dislike him, I assume he is linked to the other convicted criminal on the run.

Now.

Have any coup makers been arrested yet?

Sorry, silly question, coups are not against the law.

Coups are against the law, especially when they fail. When they're successful they usually don't go to jail for it, unless a subsequent opposition coup happens to be successful.

The coup makers gave themselves amnesty...and they have that great no talking rule that keeps the opposition from exposing them.

Do you know of a successful coup where the perpetrators said "Sorry, what we did was illegal. We'll go to jail now."?

No talking rule? Exposing them? The red shirts talk about them all the time. I think it's pretty clear who was involved.

[DiNiro]

I would like to see the security video from the hospital.

You will see some family and friends of the godfather I predict.

[webfact]

UPDATE

Kamnam Poh arrested after 7 years on run

THE NATION

Father of culture minister faces 30 yrs for murder, graft; govt denies any pressure, rift

BANGKOK: -- After seven years on the run following convictions for murder and corruption, Chon Buri-based influential figure Somchai Khunpluem, better known as Kamnan Poh, was arrested early yesterday while travelling in his vehicle in eastern Bangkok and placed in custody, where he was to begin serving his sentences of more than 30 years in prison.

The shock arrest has sparked speculation over the political consequences for the Pheu Thai-led government, as Somchai is the father of Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome, the leader of the Phalang Chon Party, which is a member of the Pheu Thai Party-led ruling coalition.

However, Deputy Prime Minister and Pheu Thai party-list MP Chalerm Yoobamrung dismissed the speculation as hype, saying no political bargaining or internal rifts played a role in Somchai's arrest.

Chalerm said there would be no attempt to take legal action against anyone who may have sheltered Somchai during his seven-year flight from justice, though criminal liability does exist for such an offence. He did not elaborate on the statement.

STOPPED BY COMMANDOS

Somchai, travelling with a kamnan based in Chon Buri's Muang district, a woman doctor and a male driver in a black Lexus SUV, was arrested by a team of fully armed police commandos when his vehicle stopped at the Lat Krabang toll plaza on the outbound motorway in eastern Bangkok. He was taken under heavy security to a Crime Suppression Division (CSD) commando unit off Lat Phrao Road for processing and registration of his arrest.

The commando team leader, Pol Colonel Athip Thaennil, said the arrest was made possible by "a citizen's tip-off" provided a year ago to Pol Lt-Colonel Phongphat Chayaphan, the commander of the Central Investigation Bureau. According to the tip, Somchai remained in Thailand for most of his seven years on the run. Athip said police had not acted under any political pressure to arrest Somchai.

"The other details of the police investigation are confidential," he said.

The kamnan travelling with Somchai, Winai Phonphaiphal, the chief of tambon Samet, admitted to possessing six shotgun shells. He was charged with possessing and carrying munitions without permission.

Somchai used the false name "Kim sae Tang" for his medical registration at Samitivej Hospital's Srinakarin Road branch, according to police, who found packages of medicine in the vehicle, which Somchai admitted to taking. CSD commander Pol Maj-General Suphisal Phakdeenaruenart said footage from security cameras installed at the hospital were being examined to determine Somchai's movements in and out of the hospital.

The hospital later announced that neither its medical registration or doctors' records showed a patient under the name Somchai or Kim. Asked if the hospital knowingly treated Somchai under a false name, spokeswoman Aphinya Chotesri denied it, and said patients must register for treatment using only their real name, submitting their identity card as proof.

Former National Police chief Seripisut Temiyavet, a candidate for the Bangkok governor election credited with achieving both of the convictions against Somchai during his police career, boasted about his past work in taking down Somchai. Today, he is scheduled to make a statement about his role in the cases at a press conference at 1.30pm.

Somchai is in custody at Bangkok Remand Prison, and will soon be located to Bang Khwang maximum security prison, as his sentences carry combined terms of more than 15 years. At 75, Somchai has chronic high blood pressure, and a brain infarction, according to a prison doctor, who said Somchai's relatives had asked him to provide a breathing-assistance machine.

Two solid legal cases against Somchai "Kamnan Poh" Khunpluem

Corruption

1994 - Somchai arranges the purchase of land parcels and sells them to Pattaya City for Bt668,000 per rai for use as a landfill site

An examination shows the parcels were located inside a national forest reserve and were normally sold for just Bt50,000 per rai

Police take action against Somchai

Public prosecutors indict him in court

2003 -Chon Buri Court finds Somchai guilty and sentences him to five years and four months in jail.

2004 - Appeals Court upholds the lower court's decision

2006 - He goes on the run. Supreme Court upholds the lower courts' decision

2009 - Civil Court orders the seizure of assets worth Bt11million from Somchai, his wife and his son.

Murder

2003 - Prayoon "Kamnan Yoon Sithichot" assassinated and the gunmen point the finger at Somchai as the plotter

2004 - Criminal Court convicts Somchai in absentia and sentences him to 25 years in jail

2005 - Appeals Court upholds the lower court's ruling

2012 - Arrest warrant issued for not appearing at the verdict reading by the Supreme Court

Supreme Court sentences Somchai to 25 years in jail for masterminding the murder of Prayoon

2013 - Somchai arrested while travelling out of Bangkok to his hometown of Chon Buri

Somchai to be required to serve out his combined jail term of more than 30 years

-- The Nation 2013-01-31

[Bellweather]

"Kamnan Poh who is the father of the culture minister"

You couldn't make it up, even after decades in Thailand. The most notorious crime boss in the country is father of the MInister of Culture. But then, when you think about it, it's entirely appropriate. The abiding culture in Thailand is criminality.

"Amazing Thailand" doesn't even get near it as a definition of this country.

The police are supposedly examining CCTV footage etc to find out who has been visiting him, protecting him and other such things. Other than doing the usual nothing what will the government do if it comes to light his son has been in regular contact which I have to believe he has. Will it be written off as understandable family ties ?

[Buchholz]

They moved a new head of police to chonburi 6 months ago. Brave man

He wasn't caught in Chonburi

But I doubt he was arrested because the toll booth clerk recognised him.

Correct. As the update informs us, a team of commandos was waiting for him when he came to the toll booth. They knew ahead of time he was coming.

.

[Buchholz]

Posted 2013-01-10

http://www.thaivisa....inisters-hopes/

BANGKOK: -- Sonthaya Kunplome was clearly not totally happy when he became culture minister after he completed his five-year political ban.

The culture portfolio was not the Cabinet seat Sonthaya wanted when his Palang Chon Party joined the Yingluck government. Instead, he sought and is still seeking the post of tourism and sports minister.

Like Paulie Walnuts wanting a bigger slice of the pie from Tony Soprano, greed did in the Khunplomes when the big godfather put the smaller lieutenant on ice.

It sent the message, don't mess with Tony Shinegra. With the caveat being of that of a benevolent godfather he does recognize the usefulness of Paulie's faction and thus is sparring the other family members. However, that too, is subject to change depending on how they react to Paulie in prison.

.

.

Edited January 31, 2013 by Buchholz

[DiNiro]

Kind of ironic that a shameless police force with no moral authority arrests a crime boss.

Are the Chonburi police at war with the Bangkok police I wonder?

[Thai at Heart]

Kind of ironic that a shameless police force with no moral authority arrests a crime boss.

Are the Chonburi police at war with the Bangkok police I wonder?

Don't think so, if they had tried to nab him in chonburi it would have been a mess. They just changed the chief policE in chonburi.

New broom.

[Buchholz]

Paulie Walnut's son is very compliant now. Culture Minister Sonthaya has said there's nothing he can do about his father's imprisonment and that he will not attempt to use his position to interfere with the legal process.

He went to Bangkok Remand Prison, but didn't even get out of his car, instead just sending word to prison officials regarding his father's various health issues.

He said he has not met with Yingluck nor Chalerm to discuss the matter.

Further confirmation to the scenario comes from Chalerm who insisted that Sonthaya's Cabinet position was safe and reassured journalists that Paulie's arrest was not political.

With Chalerm, the stronger the denials, the stronger the affirmation of the opposite.

.

Edited January 31, 2013 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

Fugitive 'Kamnan Poh' arrested at Bangkok tollbooth

By Shane Danaher

BANGKOK: -- Somchai Khunploem, a longstanding political and underworld figure who has been wanted for several months by the police

Shane, 82 months does NOT equate to "several"

sheesh, at least you're not completely alone, Shane.

Here's another one today...

Fugitive Kamnan Poh arrested after months in hiding

BANGKOK, 31 January 2013 (NNT) – After months without any information leading his whereabouts, the police have successfully arrested fugitive Somchai Kunplome, a Chon Buri tycoon and the father of a Cabinet minister.

Somchai, better known as Kamnan Poh, was nabbed on Wednesday ....etc. etc. etc.

-- NNT 2013-01-31

[Fozfromoz]

Fugitive 'Kamnan Poh' arrested at Bangkok tollbooth

By Shane Danaher

BANGKOK: -- Somchai Khunploem, a longstanding political and underworld figure who has been wanted for several months by the police

Shane, 82 months does NOT equate to "several"

sheesh, at least you're not completely alone, Shane.

Here's another one today...

Fugitive Kamnan Poh arrested after months in hiding

BANGKOK, 31 January 2013 (NNT) – After months without any information leading his whereabouts, the police have successfully arrested fugitive Somchai Kunplome, a Chon Buri tycoon and the father of a Cabinet minister.

Somchai, better known as Kamnan Poh, was nabbed on Wednesday ....etc. etc. etc.

-- NNT 2013-01-31

Maybe thinking like an Aussie. When we say " the other day" could mean anything from 2 days ago to infinity :-)

[Robby nz]

Culture Minister Sonthaya has said there's nothing he can do about his father's imprisonment and that he will not attempt to use his position to interfere with the legal process.

He said he has not met with Yingluck nor Chalerm to discuss the matter.

Would these two statements from the Honerable Culture Minister be contradictory?

[beano2274]

What surprises me is that Thais are very family orientated, but his son did not know where his father was.

I believe his son had been harboring a fugitive from the law and knew exactly where his father was, and therefore should be punished accordingly.

[DiNiro]

Could this arrest be some charade that will put this guy in the political reconciliation/amnesty package I wonder?

[DiNiro]

What surprises me is that Thais are very family orientated, but his son did not know where his father was.

I believe his son had been harboring a fugitive from the law and knew exactly where his father was, and therefore should be punished accordingly.

And what about all those big-shots that made their way to his house on his birthday party every year?

They just went to see his wife and kids?

[arthurwait]

The Bang Na - Tradt / Sukhumvit was lined with Police yesterday for most the day all the way from Chonburi to the airport at least. Presumingly for the normal reason.

Edited January 31, 2013 by arthurwait