Thailand's DSI will ask US to cancel scandal-plagued ex-monk's visa

[Artisi]

Seems like a double standard being applied, no need to expand the discussion as most would be well aware of the "double standard".

[marell]

This guy seemed to have more than a few influential 'connections'. Is it just possible that he has a few extra passports under different names? Might give him some additional travel options and an enhanced ability to move around undetected.

Edited July 15, 2013 by marell

[lowushatin]

This guy seemed to have more than a few influential 'connections'. Is it just possible that he has a few extra passports under different names? Might give him some additional travel options and an enhanced ability to move around undetected.

not from and to america.

[bigbamboo]

It must seem odd to the Americans that the Thai authorities go out of their way to ask for help in apprehending a 'scandal plagued monk' but weren't bothered about a convicted criminal.

I guess they will never understand Thainess either.

[CIHUAHUA]

The USA will Revoke his US Visa after he gains US citizenship. All it takes is 500k and to start a business. Seems to me he has proven his business skills to the capitalist hub of the world. Just look at all the television evangelists fleecing the public in the name of Christianity.

[unanimosity]

A lot of agencies are getting involved in this when it may not be necessary and " too many cooks " although this may be what's intended as if the complete truth ever manages to be revealed this could be the biggest of disaster movies.

I could be wrong of course and it's just the usual Thai need for publicity but it doesn't matter as long as this is not screwed up

It would be so easy for efficiency's sake to tell DSI it's your case and everyone else co-operate and only DSi speaks to the media.

Efficient but not the Thai way.

Of course not, must be ten against one.

[drdoom6996]

A lot of agencies are getting involved in this when it may not be necessary and " too many cooks " although this may be what's intended as if the complete truth ever manages to be revealed this could be the biggest of disaster movies.

I could be wrong of course and it's just the usual Thai need for publicity but it doesn't matter as long as this is not screwed up

It would be so easy for efficiency's sake to tell DSI it's your case and everyone else co-operate and only DSi speaks to the media.

Efficient but not the Thai way.

Especially with the PTP in cover up mode for the Rice Scam and all of its other BS.

[unanimosity]

Seems like a double standard being applied, no need to expand the discussion as most would be well aware of the "double standard".

By double do you mean having two standards of living in either Montenegro or Dubai?

[NanLaew]

This visa canceling option is a sham. Cancel his bloody passport and he can't go anywhere like Snowden in Moscow.

Then his flight options will be made for him, escorted by some Federal Marshals and DSI representatives, back to BKK.

PS. Read the thread before posting about 'double-standards' and other 'known criminals' and certain people 'in Dubai'. It's been done to death already!

[webfact]

UPDATE
Attempt to revoke Wirapol's passport
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said on Monday that his ministry is ready to revoke the passport of Wirapol Sukphol, better known as Luang Pu Nenkham, as soon as receiving an official request from the monastic authorities.

He said that it should not take a long time as Viraphol’s scandal is in public interest.

However, on the possible request that the ministry seeks abolishment of visas extended to Viraphol, he said it is beyond the ministry’s control. He advised related agencies file direct requests to respective embassies of the countries that issued Wirapol the visas.

It was reported that Viraphol is now in the United States.

He could face an extradition to face charges at home, chiefly for alleged money laundering and sex with the under-aged.


-- The Nation 2013-07-15

[atyclb]

He enjoyed marital bliss and did not get suckered in to the sinsot

[harrry]

If he is an ex monk why do they have to ask the Buddhist Authorities. To find an auspicious date?

[whybother]

UPDATE

Attempt to revoke Wirapol's passport

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said on Monday that his ministry is ready to revoke the passport of Wirapol Sukphol, better known as Luang Pu Nenkham, as soon as receiving an official request from the monastic authorities.

He said that it should not take a long time as Viraphol’s scandal is in public interest.

However, on the possible request that the ministry seeks abolishment of visas extended to Viraphol, he said it is beyond the ministry’s control. He advised related agencies file direct requests to respective embassies of the countries that issued Wirapol the visas.

It was reported that Viraphol is now in the United States.

He could face an extradition to face charges at home, chiefly for alleged money laundering and sex with the under-aged.

-- The Nation 2013-07-15

This government doesn't have a very good track record for cancelling passports.

[americaninbangkok]

Isn't diplomacy just darling? I'm sure everyone on the US side is just itching to cooperate with Thailand's eminently just missives.

We'll send you back your monk if NASA can set up operations in Thailand

[LomSak27]

Isn't diplomacy just darling? I'm sure everyone on the US side is just itching to cooperate with Thailand's eminently just missives.

Love these articles - and hey US might do something - of course the thai goverment needs to - The real key is you need to charge him, file criminal charges against and then request extradition ---- revoke his passport is more a PR stunt -

Until then, its a moot point, balls in your court Thailand.

Edited July 15, 2013 by LomSak27

[bangon04]

If he is an ex monk why do they have to ask the Buddhist Authorities. To find an auspicious date?

A lot of important people have to be sure that there are no more "loose ends" that could bite them later.

I thought it was easy to get the US to do something - you just mention the vague possibility that he was laundering money and the word terrorism and drug cartel in the same sentence....

[slapout]

The DSI. and Foreign Minister, have sworn statements with witnesses reports on the kiddy fiddling as well as money laundering which the AMLO should have documented by now.

Both of these charges are probably right below a charge of terroism when dealing with US authorities and a guest, in their country.

I am not sure that Thailand even knows where the man is, and to pull his passport for money laundering may be a little close to home for old cousin..Maybe the government can have a daily press release, just to let the fugitive know how, what and future plans on his behalf.

[rubl]

UPDATE

Attempt to revoke Wirapol's passport

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said on Monday that his ministry is ready to revoke the passport of Wirapol Sukphol, better known as Luang Pu Nenkham, as soon as receiving an official request from the monastic authorities.

He said that it should not take a long time as Viraphol’s scandal is in public interest.

However, on the possible request that the ministry seeks abolishment of visas extended to Viraphol, he said it is beyond the ministry’s control. He advised related agencies file direct requests to respective embassies of the countries that issued Wirapol the visas.

It was reported that Viraphol is now in the United States.

He could face an extradition to face charges at home, chiefly for alleged money laundering and sex with the under-aged.

-- The Nation 2013-07-15

This government doesn't have a very good track record for cancelling passports.

neither for revoking illegally issued ones

[khaowong1]

The DSI. and Foreign Minister, have sworn statements with witnesses reports on the kiddy fiddling as well as money laundering which the AMLO should have documented by now.

Both of these charges are probably right below a charge of terroism when dealing with US authorities and a guest, in their country.

I am not sure that Thailand even knows where the man is, and to pull his passport for money laundering may be a little close to home for old cousin..Maybe the government can have a daily press release, just to let the fugitive know how, what and future plans on his behalf.

"I am not sure that Thailand even knows where the man is'. Yeah, that would be pretty difficult for Thailand.. I googled his name with California yesterday, found his house in California, his address, zip code, plus foto's of him his mercedes, the monks with him and the Thai people with them. Pretty difficult. Took me all of about 2 minutes..

[lee b]

then he is free to just move to another country is he not?

[hellodolly]

This story is getting more airplay than the rice scam.....

The DSI is now flat out trying to make the story last longer.....and take the news away from the Govt.

Massive corruption and graft....huge land encroachment issues in parks....pollies ripping of the people....there's endless sagas being played out throughout Thailand.......but some monk that is seemingly rich beyond Thai peoples imagination, gets the headlines....!!!

Sorry but it almost seems you are trying to cover up for him.

All those things you mentioned are true and have had their run with the headlines. They are still around and they pop up all the time. In a year this will have blown over and you won't hear about it.

[hellodolly]

why are they attempting to have the US cancel his visa....put a request to the US to arrest him and lock him up pending the commencement of a formal extradition application ?

Getting his visa cancelled means nothing all it means is he cant be in the US, but wouldnt stop him leaving the US and going somewhere else...so what exactly are the incompentants at the DSI trying to do ?

while they are at it..couldnt they also send a similar request to Dubai ?...me thinks double standards No ?

Are you sure Thailand has an extradition treaty with Dubai?

They do with the states remember the Russian arms dealer?

The States might want to hold him them selves while they check into money laundering.

On the other hand the article say's

"The DSI is investigating his many alleged wrongdoings, including statutory rape of a minor"

The states take statutory rape of a minor very serious and would work to get him back to Thailand for that.

[hellodolly]

It must seem odd to the Americans that the Thai authorities go out of their way to ask for help in apprehending a 'scandal plagued monk' but weren't bothered about a convicted criminal.

I guess they will never understand Thainess either.

Good point. They had no problem letting a convicted criminal running from the law Go where ever he wanted to go in the states.

[Noistar]

A lot of agencies are getting involved in this when it may not be necessary and " too many cooks " although this may be what's intended as if the complete truth ever manages to be revealed this could be the biggest of disaster movies.

I could be wrong of course and it's just the usual Thai need for publicity but it doesn't matter as long as this is not screwed up

Seems to be a lot of activity. Doesn't seem to indicate any actual progress though. Everything is preparatory to be passed along the line, presumably so it will get lost in a bin marked "we mustn't rush things until we have all the information"

[animatic]

If the USA even tries to take him into custody,

he's got the kind of money that can stall extradition for 10 years,

while he lives in a $5,000 a month rental house with a ankle monitor,

with hot and cold running hookers, beer DVD's for the home theater,

and thai take out every meal, or even his own chef.

This could even result in adding to his legal time in USA, because his 3 months would be up,

but he would be held for years while his lawyers diddle the system.

Edited July 16, 2013 by animatic

[LomSak27]

If the USA even tries to take him into custody

Why in gods name would they even try? He has to have a warrant for his arrest out - When Thailand gets around to charging him they can approach the the US through the proper channels - Until then, this story is nothing more than a PR gimmick

Edited July 16, 2013 by LomSak27