Kamnan Poh Arrested In Bangkok

[Fozfromoz]

Crime Suppression Division Chief Police Major-General Supisarn cited Section 59 of the Penal Code that will determine whether charges are laid on family members for assisting their fugitive convicted father. The section, however, doesn't mention Thai culture or familial obligations.

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Interesting to note in the other thread, (investigation of up to 10 people), article 189 is referenced. It seems quite clear to me what it says, but who knows. Perhaps one takes precedence

Probably way too much to expect a Police Major-General to know which criminal offense he was investigating , but, certainly, Section 189 seems to be the applicable one.

Still no mention, however, of Thai culture or familial obligations. It reads very straight-forward.

It also seems straight-forward that family members violated it.

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Section 189

Whoever assists the other person who commits or is alleged of having committed an offence which is not a petty offence so that such person may not be punished by giving him lodging, by hiding, or by assisting him by any means so that he may not be arrested, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding two years or fined not exceeding four thousand Baht, or both.

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189 having included those alleged to have committed, would put Chalerm clearly in the line for charges when his son decided to take a lengthy holiday.

Looks like this article has sub clauses that allows it to be diluted to less than 5 parts per million, as required.

[Buchholz]

With their money, it's probably a large house or compound so conceivably, his family and him may have not crossed paths the last 7 years.

This newspaper puts the value of his multiple businesses at 1.585 Billion Baht.

Naew Na News - Jan. 31, 2013

http://www.naewna.com/politic/39727

[Buchholz]

It reads very straight-forward.

It also seems straight-forward that family members violated it.

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Section 189

Whoever assists the other person who commits or is alleged of having committed an offence which is not a petty offence so that such person may not be punished by giving him lodging, by hiding, or by assisting him by any means so that he may not be arrested, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding two years or fined not exceeding four thousand Baht, or both.

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Looks like this article has sub clauses that allows it to be diluted to less than 5 parts per million, as required.

"assisting him by any means so that he may not be arrested" is very broad and inclusive.

It might explain why Culture Minister Sonthaya is claiming he's had absolutely no contact with his father over the past 7 years.

It's the only claim that would protect him from that far-reaching clause.

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[DiNiro]

I would love to have been at that jail when the family showed up to visit him.

We're they all pretending to not have seen him all these years?

[cloudhopper]

Crime Suppression Division Chief Police Major-General Supisarn cited Section 59 of the Penal Code that will determine whether charges are laid on family members for assisting their fugitive convicted father. The section, however, doesn't mention Thai culture or familial obligations.

.

Interesting to note in the other thread, (investigation of up to 10 people), article 189 is referenced. It seems quite clear to me what it says, but who knows. Perhaps one takes precedence

Probably way too much to expect a Police Major-General to know which criminal offense he was investigating , but, certainly, Section 189 seems to be the applicable one.

Still no mention, however, of Thai culture or familial obligations. It reads very straight-forward.

It also seems straight-forward that family members violated it.

======================================================

Section 189

Whoever assists the other person who commits or is alleged of having committed an offence which is not a petty offence so that such person may not be punished by giving him lodging, by hiding, or by assisting him by any means so that he may not be arrested, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding two years or fined not exceeding four thousand Baht, or both.

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The only laws that will ever be actually observed or enforced in this case are the ones against any criticism of the courts decisions.

[Mobi]

He was understood to have been visiting his doctor at Samitivej Hospital’s Pattanakarn branch.

So Samitivej wants a copy of my passport for a measly Bupa claim even before checking my condition, but have no concerns or questions catering to a fugitive wanted on a murder charge?

So you're a clerk at the desk who is processing new patients for treatment and Kamnan Poh turns up with likely looking gang of heavily armed thugs.

You might say:

'Excuse me, Mr Kim, may I have your ID, please?, and would you mind waiting over there for few minutes while I just make a call to the police to tell them I have found a wanted murderer.'

Or, then again, you might say:

'Welcome Mr Kim. Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir, Mr Kim, sir. Of course we'll waive all the charges sir....

and by the way, sir, every specialist in the hospital has just made themselves available and are awaiting your pleasure....

Which one would you like to start with?, sir, sir, sir,

[Buchholz]

Also, if I may, a few minor corrections in the family tree (with so many players, it's understandably easy to confuse some on the lengthy roster of team members).

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:

Sukumol, his daughter-in-law (Sonthaya's wife), former Culture Minister in Yingluck's Cabinet. She stepped down when her husband's five-year ban from politics for electoral fraud expired so that he could take the Cabinet position:

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):

With my sincerest apologies to the Khunpleum dynasty , I neglected to include the other familial political figure, thus unintentionally depriving him of his rightful place on the family album. Sorry.

Narongchai, youngest son. Narongchai (on the left, white shirt, receiving flowers) is the Mayor of Bang Saen.

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Edited February 1, 2013 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

Not exactly known for its hard-hitting investigative journalism...

the hi-so trendy magazine Thailand Tattler nevertheless did have some interesting info on the family when they did a home review of Narongchai's simple abode.

It points out that several of the family mansions are on one plot. None of which I'm sure Dad ever visited. Too bad for him, because his small town mayor son has nice digs and has done quite well despite his small municipal salary.

The entire house is adorned with an eclectic range of wooden collectibles and modern artworks. “Some of the antiques belong to my parents,” says Narongchai. “My brothers and sister are not as keen about old things as I am,” explains Narongchai, referring to his siblings whose houses are also in the same 10-rai compound.

Following the family’s tradition in politics and public service Narongchai was elected the mayor of Bangsaen, his birthplace. In office for two years, he has injected the town’s policies with a new vision, one of old charm coupled with youthful energy.

When asked how he got into politics he says, “After receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Chulalongkorn University I studied hotel management in northern California. Upon returning to Thailand I worked at The Oriental Hotel in Bangkok for about a year. During this time my family was building a hotel in Bangsaen called Tide Resort so I came back home to manage it.” He saw that a good luxury hotel contributed to a solid foundation for Bangsaen’s tourism infrastructure. “From setting up the hotel and operating it fulltime, I learned how the town is run and I also had ideas of how it could be improved,” he says. “When the mayoral election came up, I decided to run for office and here I am.”

Fluffy prose and glossy house photos continues here:

http://www.thailandtatler.com/house-of-the-bangsaen-son/

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Edited February 1, 2013 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

Returning to Dad, he traveled today from the prison hospital to the Criminal Court in a wheelchair and pajamas to formally confirm his identity as the person named on his arrest warrant. Silly, but a necessary formality apparently.

Daily News - Feb. 1, 2013

http://www.dailynews.co.th/crime/182025

Thai Rath - Feb. 1, 2013

http://www.thairath.co.th/content/region/323952

[Buchholz]

With that formality completed, his prison time officially began today.

First, he will serve the five years and four month sentence for corruption.

After that is completed, he will automatically then officially begin serving his twenty-five year sentence for per-meditated murder.

[FarangTalk]

I reckon he is terminally ill and wont last more that a few months.

[JemJem]

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.

Do you think these things will happen ?

Edited February 1, 2013 by JemJem

[Buchholz]

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.

Chalerm may be the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of police affairs, but the police are now investigating the involvement of family members in protecting Somchai during his 7 year flight from justice.

National Police Chief Police General Adul Saengsingkaew said these family members must be questioned as to their actions and Central Investigation Bureau Commissioner Police Lieutenant-General Pongpat Chaiyaphan said they were considering taking action against them.

However, Crime Suppression Division Chief Police Major-General Supisarn Phakdinaruenart said, in addition to his hospital comments above, that the police may not take any action against these family members because, in Thai culture, children are obligated and responsible for taking care of their parents.

He indicated that in order to pursue aiding/abetting charges, a situational "special motive" must be demonstrated and that, under Thai law, children protecting their parents fails to meet that "special motive" criteria.

Today, the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) said it would complete it's investigation of family members and others who assisted Kamnam within 15 days.

Police Colonel Nirand Namsuwan said they are focusing on the time Kamnan spent at home in Chonburi province and that several people being investigated were involved during that time.

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[Buchholz]

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This afternoon, a transfer of Kamnan Poh to Chonburi Prison has been ok'd by the Corrections Department.

The transfer request was made by his oldest son, Culture Minister Sonthaya Khunploem.

Furthermore, it is now up to the warden of the Chonburi Prison to allow Kamnan Poh to receive medical treatment outside of the prison if he deems it necessary.

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[Buchholz]

Meanwhile, in other Culture Minister news today. In addition to requesting a prison transfer for his father to be closer to his home, Culture Minister Sonthaya also announced today that his ministry is attempting to stop a YouTube video that shows a parody of an advertisement for the Rosetta Stone language instruction course. The satirical ad was made by the famous Saturday Night Live comedy show and Sonthaya objects to its depiction of Thailand. He's directed the Culture Watch Centre to seek its removal from YouTube and has additionally informed the American Embassy in Bangkok that it demeans the Thai image and is asking them to explain that to Saturday Night Live staff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZCXy8XIIfk&feature=player_embedded

[Buchholz]

Corrections Dept chief approves transfer of Somchai Khunpluem

Corrections Dept chief approves transfer of Somchai Khunpluem, alias Kamnan Poh, to Chon Buri Prison amid tightened security, commando guards

http://www.mcot.net/site/content?id=510f3bc9150ba02068000493#.UQ9W05i5Yg8

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[Buchholz]

Komchadluek News - 30 minutes ago

http://www.komchadluek.net/detail/20130204/150956/%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9B%E0%B9%8A%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B5.html#.UQ9YZJi5Yg8

[Buchholz]

^ We hope you enjoyed your brief visit here at Bangkok Remand Prison and we're just sorry you couldn't have stayed and enjoyed our facilities for a longer period of time.

Please come back whenever you can and be sure to tell all your friends.

Bon Voyage.

[Pimay1]

Meanwhile, in other Culture Minister news today. In addition to requesting a prison transfer for his father to be closer to his home, Culture Minister Sonthaya also announced today that his ministry is attempting to stop a YouTube video that shows a parody of an advertisement for the Rosetta Stone language instruction course. The satirical ad was made by the famous Saturday Night Live comedy show and Sonthaya objects to its depiction of Thailand. He's directed the Culture Watch Centre to seek its removal from YouTube and has additionally informed the American Embassy in Bangkok that it demeans the Thai image and is asking them to explain that to Saturday Night Live staff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZCXy8XIIfk&feature=player_embedded

Of course the deeds of his father and subsequent arrest will not demean Thailand's reputation at all. What a guy.

[Pimay1]

Corrections Dept chief approves transfer of Somchai Khunpluem

Corrections Dept chief approves transfer of Somchai Khunpluem, alias Kamnan Poh, to Chon Buri Prison amid tightened security, commando guards

http://www.mcot.net/...93#.UQ9W05i5Yg8

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But he is such a sick man that has to have oxygen to breath and now he has a blood clot in the brain. How can his son that loves him so much treat him this way when the prison in Chonburi does not have a doctor? Utterly shameful.

[OzMick]

From past family experience, I believe that transfers to be near family are a privilege only given after serving a goodly part of the sentence - for the "common" people of course.

It seems money and influence elevate what is after all a man who is a "common criminal".

Edited February 4, 2013 by OzMick

[Buchholz]

Meanwhile, in other Culture Minister news today. In addition to requesting a prison transfer for his father to be closer to his home, Culture Minister Sonthaya also announced today that his ministry is attempting to stop a YouTube video that shows a parody of an advertisement for the Rosetta Stone language instruction course. The satirical ad was made by the famous Saturday Night Live comedy show and Sonthaya objects to its depiction of Thailand. He's directed the Culture Watch Centre to seek its removal from YouTube and has additionally informed the American Embassy in Bangkok that it demeans the Thai image and is asking them to explain that to Saturday Night Live staff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZCXy8XIIfk&feature=player_embedded

Of course the deeds of his father and subsequent arrest will not demean Thailand's reputation at all. What a guy.

It's just the sort of brazenly hypocritical family values the family is renown for.

I notice this has all now been picked up on by the other press and a new thread made... as well as on another different thread now being reported elsewhere on the development of his Dad's transfer earlier today.

The Khunpleum's are running several new headlines per day at the moment.

Thai Govt Wants Youtube Sex Spoof Removed

Kamnan Poh Transferred To Chonburi Prison

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Edited February 4, 2013 by Buchholz