Thai police seek to extradite Swedish murder suspect

[webfact]

Thai police seek to extradite Swedish murder suspect
BY WACHIRAPORN JANRUT


Andreas Ringvall

BANGKOK: -- In August last year, Mr. Robert Hollick, 43, from New Zealand was stabbed to death after a bar fight over a dog in Pattaya, Thailand. Thai police arrested and charged Swedish man Andreas Ringvill with murder but the Swede was mysteriously allowed to leave the country while on bail last October. He never returned since. The situation has upset Hollick’s family. The New Zealand embassy was also informed of the situation.

Thai police said they will seek to extradite the alleged Swedish killer Andreas Ringvall.

According to stuff.co.nz, an investigation by Fairfax Media has revealed:

* Ringvall was released on bail after paying 500,000 baht, more than $20,000. Unusually, his passport was returned but Thai Immigration was told not to let him leave the country.

* After he was granted bail, an unknown person warned the New Zealand embassy that Ringvall would try to flee.

* Ringvall was granted permission by the Pattaya court to return to Sweden for two weeks in October but never returned.

* An investigation into his disappearance is under way, as it is not usual for murder suspects to be allowed to leave Thailand.

Police Colonel Superintendent Sinard Ajhanwong, head of Thai Interpol, said they would seek to have Ringvall extradited.

Sweden typically refused to extradite its citizens but if that proved to be so, Thai police would expect Swedish authorities to press murder charges against Ringvall, he said.

“Please can you give [Hollick's] family my sympathies and tell them to please be patient, be calm.

“We will make the request. Whether the Swedish authorities will hand him over, we don’t know. The main point is it’s pretty serious.”

He said Hollick’s family had the right to be upset about the situation.

It is understood the Royal Thai Police are investigating why Ringvall was allowed to leave, and given the circumstances that is expected to include whether any bribe was paid to officials.

Hollick’s mother, Anne Hollick, said she was thrilled to hear Thai authorities would take action.

The Upper Hutt woman said it was the first good news she had received since her son’s death and she hoped it meant Ringvall would have to face up to his alleged crime.

“I don’t think of him as a person, quite frankly. I only want justice because it’s the right thing to do, not only in my case but for everybody.”


Robert Hollick from New Zealand

Ajhanwong was involved in another international murder case last December when British kickboxer Lee Aldhouse was extradited back to Thailand after he allegedly stabbed to death United States ex- marine Dashawn Longfellow in Phuket in August 2010, then fled home.

It was the first time British authorities had handed over a criminal suspect to Thailand. Aldhouse is in jail in Thailand awaiting his trial in August.

Ajhanwong also cited a recent case where a German man murdered a Thai woman in Chiang Mai in 2009 then absconded to Germany, where he was later put on trial for murder and found guilty after authorities refused Thailand’s request to extradite him.

“He’s in jail now in Germany.”

To read more, click here for a full report by Shane Cowlishaw and Deidre Mussen.
Source: www.stuff.co.nz

Source: http://scandasia.com/thai-police-seek-to-extradite-swedish-murder-suspect/

-- ScandAsia 2013-06-25

[terry101]

Was it a soi dog or one of those two legged dogs you see quite often walking around that area...

[MikeOboe57]

Defendants sentenced to death are released on bail and disappear, murder suspects are released on bail and disappear, rapists are released on bail and disappear, kidnappers are released on bail and disappear - Maybe, only maybe it would be a good idea if the Thai courts did a critical review on that practice.

It might help Thailand look less idiotic when they don't have to ask for "extradition" of a murder suspect they had officially allowed to leave their country in the first place.

[Thaddeus]

Defendants sentenced to death are released on bail and disappear, murder suspects are released on bail and disappear, rapists are released on bail and disappear, kidnappers are released on bail and disappear - Maybe, only maybe it would be a good idea if the Thai courts did a critical review on that practice.

It might help Thailand look less idiotic when they don't have to ask for "extradition" of a murder suspect they had officially allowed to leave their country in the first place.

But be accused of breaking some furniture and you can be stuck here for years.

[clockman]

Money talks, criminals walk. T.I.T.

[Morakot]

the Swede was mysteriously allowed to leave the country while on bail last October.

Since when is bureaucratic incompetence and mismanagement a mystery?

[useronthenet]

I think the most countries will be hard pushed to extradite a person to a country where the justice system is regarded as highly corrupt and where there is a complete lack of transparency, and so the chances of having a fair trial is unlikely. There is also the dealth penalty issue, which still stands in Thailand. One could also argue how a suspect was allowed to travel out of the country knowing that he or she may not return, but then again we all know the answer to this question don't we ?

[DLock]

Defendants sentenced to death are released on bail and disappear, murder suspects are released on bail and disappear, rapists are released on bail and disappear, kidnappers are released on bail and disappear - Maybe, only maybe it would be a good idea if the Thai courts did a critical review on that practice.

It might help Thailand look less idiotic when they don't have to ask for "extradition" of a murder suspect they had officially allowed to leave their country in the first place.

...and ex-Prime Ministers are granted approval to travel to the Olympics and disappear.

[NongKhaiKid]

Can somebody update me please ? is this the case where the accused's mother flew in quietly and left again very shortly afterwards and he was allowed to leave ?

[WhizBang]

the Swede was mysteriously allowed to leave the country while on bail last October.

Since when is bureaucratic incompetence and mismanagement a mystery?

No mismanagement. He paid 500,000 baht bribe, er... bail.

[jalansanitwong]

The Swede did well to beat a murder rap for only 500,000 baht. Could have easily been double that. Thai's have to pay that much and more for murdering people.

Why doesnt he just do a deal in Sweden and go to one of those fantastic prisons over there. Sauna,spa private accomodation and female visitors.

Many Scandinavian prisons are 3 star hotels. Terrific !

[hgma]

Was it a soi dog or one of those two legged dogs you see quite often walking around that area...

your writing about human tragedy.............your comment is offensive!

[tonneke breda]

Never to be seen or heard of, Sweden will not sent him back to Thailand, because the land of smile still has capital punishments for murder.

[ayayay]

Money talks, criminals walk. T.I.T.

Yes, Thailand attracts many foreign criminals...

[Docno]

Can somebody update me please ? is this the case where the accused's mother flew in quietly and left again very shortly afterwards and he was allowed to leave ?

I think you're referring to the Iranian-Swede who got in a fight with his Thai girlfriend's local boyfriend while visiting her and the Thai guy ended up stabbed to death. That was a strange one in which he was released on bail, mom came over, and their was an unbelievable story about him being assisted in his escape from the country by southern insurgents.

[Midfield General]

''It is understood the Royal Thai Police are investigating why Ringvall was allowed to leave, and given the circumstances that is expected to include whether any bribe was paid to officials.''

That investigation should take about 1 minute

[NongKhaiKid]

Can somebody update me please ? is this the case where the accused's mother flew in quietly and left again very shortly afterwards and he was allowed to leave ?

I think you're referring to the Iranian-Swede who got in a fight with his Thai girlfriend's local boyfriend while visiting her and the Thai guy ended up stabbed to death. That was a strange one in which he was released on bail, mom came over, and their was an unbelievable story about him being assisted in his escape from the country by southern insurgents.

Thanks very much, it's hard to keep up with all the intrigue.

[sydneyjed]

Can some one please explain how the two Australians charged with 'accidentally' shooting two innocent German tourists in Phuket recently served only two months of an attempted murder charge...Am i missing something here?

Edited June 25, 2013 by metisdead
Font

[Emdog]

Amazing Thailand: The Miracle Year!

[Garry]

Defendants sentenced to death are released on bail and disappear, murder suspects are released on bail and disappear, rapists are released on bail and disappear, kidnappers are released on bail and disappear - Maybe, only maybe it would be a good idea if the Thai courts did a critical review on that practice.

It might help Thailand look less idiotic when they don't have to ask for "extradition" of a murder suspect they had officially allowed to leave their country in the first place.

heaven forbid if you overstay and get caught before you reach the airport..in the slammer you go.

[Bluespunk]

Was it a soi dog or one of those two legged dogs you see quite often walking around that area...

What on earth causes you to make an appalling comment like that?

Edited June 25, 2013 by Bluespunk

[winstonc]

Was it a soi dog or one of those two legged dogs you see quite often walking around that area...

didnt think this one through very well did you,hope his family dont read it you moron,,,,,i hope it doesnt happen to anyone you know,cos your attitude would change in an instant,,,apologies gratefully recieved on here,,,,

[Mavrix]

Maybe he is already hiding where the Thai Authorities will never find him......Thailand !

Edited June 25, 2013 by Mavrix

[Tboy928]

The Swede did well to beat a murder rap for only 500,000 baht. Could have easily been double that. Thai's have to pay that much and more for murdering people.

Why doesnt he just do a deal in Sweden and go to one of those fantastic prisons over there. Sauna,spa private accomodation and female visitors.

Many Scandinavian prisons are 3 star hotels. Terrific !

SPA ? not overdo it now, cable tv and tv at your room yes ,and 3 course dinner .. But spa i never heard about , but compare to Thai jail ,it is 5 star plus ,thats true

[kevvy]

Money talks, criminals walk. T.I.T.

Yes, Thailand attracts many foreign criminals...

and there is no thai criminals here ?

[oldsailor35]

Can some one please explain how the two Australians charged with 'accidentally' shooting two innocent German tourists in Phuket recently served only two months of an attempted murder charge...Am i missing something here?

Are those two grubs still here ?

[EyesWideOpen]

For as much scorn as I heap upon the " Royal" Thai police, at one level I almost have to admire the fact they have managed to turn the concept of bail into a money making concept....... Set a high bail, hand back the passport with a wink and an admonishment to not leave the country, and then act stunned when the murderer does a runner. Then go out and buy the mia noi some new stuff with the bail money. God I love this place !!!!

Edited June 25, 2013 by EyesWideOpen

[Pinnfinola]

The Swede did well to beat a murder rap for only 500,000 baht. Could have easily been double that. Thai's have to pay that much and more for murdering people.

Why doesnt he just do a deal in Sweden and go to one of those fantastic prisons over there. Sauna,spa private accomodation and female visitors.

Many Scandinavian prisons are 3 star hotels. Terrific !

A friend told the breakfast is great in Swedish jails, btw Sweden don't extradite people to countries where they risk death penalty.

[jrincon17]

I mean seriously, you have to be f'd up in the head to stab and or kill someone. What is wrong with people ? !

[Bosse137]

What about jails in Norway, then.. You remember Breivik,the man who murdered scores of young people in Norway.Some time ago he complained in writing,that the coffee they brought him was not hot enough!!!If I understand correctly,he has a personal gym among other things..

I think they should make the coffee hot and then throw it in his face!