Fugitive ex-monk Wirapol in Laos, 'may surrender'

[webfact]

Wirapol in Laos, 'may surrender'
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Fugitive ex-monk Wirapol Sukphol is in Laos and is prepared to return home via Nong Khai, Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tarit Pengdith said yesterday.

The ex-monk's legal team, led by Sukit Poonsrikasem, affirmed that Wirapol, who remains in robes, would turn himself in on Thursday.

Sukit said Wirapol, also known as Luang Pu Nenkham, would explain his case to the public and fight allegations - especially those that could result in his being disrobed.

He said the condition to surrender was for the DSI to allow him to be temporarily released, as he wants to handle many matters including the monastic centre's benefit management.

Sukit said the legal team would sue the ex-monk's reported key follower Sukhum Wongprasit, claiming he provided information that tarnished Wirapol's name and might affect the ongoing investigation.

Sukit insisted that Sukhum was not authorised by Wirapol to give information to the media.

He said the team would also file a libel suit against Songkran Atchariyasap, chairman of a group calling itself the "Facebook network against acts that destroy the nation, religion and the royal institution".


-- The Nation 2013-08-06

[Thai at Heart]

How did he get to Laos from the USA?

[bigbamboo]

I don't think the Lord Buddha would be too impressed.

[NongKhaiKid]

Slightly different story elsewhere which says he will only surrender to DSI chief Tarit personally, wants to be assured of proper justice and get bail. It's also said that he will be met by a student of his, who is an unnamed police or military officer and taken to DSI.

Can't see why he's worried about bail as it's freely available to convicted and accused murders.

[SABloke]

"He said the condition to surrender was for the DSI to allow him to be temporarily released, as he wants to handle many matters including the monastic centre's benefit management."

At least we now know where all the gold was stashed away. I love how guys in this country give ultimatums to the police etc. "I will allow myself to be arrested (even though you've got a warrant already) as long as....a, b, c is done on your part.

[belg]

with all his money, sure he

got an impersonator of himself to go

do the time, if any, in prison

[newermonkey]

How did he get to Laos from the USA?

Remember... he has his own executive business jet.

[SOTIRIOS]

......now that all the cash has been redirected...and to the 'proper people'....he will come back and 'get away scott-free'....

....such sick, hypocritical, infantile, B.S.......

...that's the way it 'works' here.......

...commit crimes for years......get caught..........escape.......plan a 'scenario'......and 'prove' your 'innocence'.....

[klauskunkel]

"Look at me!!! No sunglasses, no bag, no woman, no car!!! Have only robe, tching, tching!!!"

[Docno]

Slightly different story elsewhere which says he will only surrender to DSI chief Tarit personally, wants to be assured of proper justice and get bail. It's also said that he will be met by a student of his, who is an unnamed police or military officer and taken to DSI.

Can't see why he's worried about bail as it's freely available to convicted and accused murders.

As for the bail issue, as I've said elsewhere, it is frequently granted to accused murderers in other countries (like the US and Canada) as well... nothing special about Thailand on that count. However, it is usually withheld in cases where the person poses a flight risk. This individual has already demonstrated that he is a flight risk (based on past behaviour and availability of resources), so bail is not a certainty.

[LomSak27]

This guys moves like the wind

Wonder if he was ever in the US ?

[jbrain]

He said the condition to surrender was for the DSI to allow him to be temporarily released, as he wants to handle many matters including the monastic centre's benefit management.

This guy doesn't give up yet, I'm confident the only benefits he has in mind are his own.

Edited August 6, 2013 by jbrain

[Payboy]

How did he get to Laos from the USA?

He walked across the Pacific Ocean, he did.

[LomSak27]

You figure he was in laos the whole time, just took a quick runner across the border and then had his nongs put out the smokescreen.

Time to cut a deal, distribute money, make some merit among PuYais. I really really wonder if the US told the Thais, we have no record of his entry - or more likely the Thai Goverment never asked the US in the first place - it was all a PR gimmick from the get go

[smotherb]

How did he get to Laos from the USA?

Just a wild guess, but by plane?

[jbrain]

How did he get to Laos from the USA?

Just a wild guess, but by plane?

with a revoked passport ?

[Bung]

Interesting that he can travel without a Thai passport as it has been cancelled. I guess with his money he just bought one from another country. Maybe Montenegro sold him one?

[HerbalEd]

How did he get to Laos from the USA?

Most likely by plane.

[MaxLee]

Remember yesterday the DSI with their 3 conditions upon Wirapol:

1. surrender directly to the DSI chief,

2. fair treatment for him,

3. a temporary release.

Take the 4th choice,... don't come back to Thailand until things are forgotten....

Edited August 6, 2013 by metisdead
Large font reset to normal.

[doremifasol]

If he can make it to Thailand at all...........

[tonneke breda]

May surrender??

I thought it is August, 5555555555

[Bung]

Even with his own jet you will still need a valid passport to travel from one country to another. How did he get to Laos without a passport? Does he have more than one passport? Did Laos issue him with a travel permit of some sort?

[Frank James]

Interesting indeed that this monk can dictate the terms of his surrender to authorities. He should keep a low profile while he's out walking temporarily free. There are a few "investors" who might like a word with him.

[aechzen]

Hallo and wellcome to luxuary cars lao !! we offer special discounts this week !!

[harrry]

As an ex monk is he not covered by the law regarding impersonating a monk?

[EyesWideOpen]

As he clearly was in the middle of some serious money laundering ,

( apologists step back from the keyboard, this is the opinion of the DSI)

I expect that the poo yais who he was doing the laundering for would

expect him to come back and sort out his finances so they can get their

money back.

[Bung]

Exactly. That is why he says he needs to be released temporarily, so he can sort out all the dodgy money........Then, when they get around to prosecuting him he will be able to say......"Wat money?"

Edited August 6, 2013 by Bung

[stoli]

This guys moves like the wind

Wonder if he was ever in the US ?

Don't you wonder if he is actually in Laos?

[marell]

How did he get to Laos from the USA?

He has magical powers.

[pgrahmm]

Run out of $$$$$$ - but knows where it is here and would like to come back to "manage" it...........