Mafia rule: Patong Kingpin points finger at officials

[Lite Beer]

Mafia rule: Patong Kingpin points finger at officials
Phuket Gazette -

Preechavude 'Prab' Keesin, son of Patong Mayor Pian Keesin, fights back against DSI allegations. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: Preechavude 'Prab' Keesin, son of Patong Mayor Pian Keesin, has lashed out at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), calling on them to tackle corruption among government officers and the ranks of law enforcement officials.

Mr Prab and Mayor Pian were among the 11 parties named by the DSI as “mafia” operating illegal taxis on the island. The result was a flurry of lawsuits accusing the DSI of defamation .

“What definition of mafia do you think they are using?” asked Mr Preechavude.

“Our taxi organization is a legally registered, incorporated organization. I do not deny that some taxi drivers in Patong do not obey the law, but those people are only a small fraction of the whole. Do you call that mafia?

“We should stop playing innocent. We all know who is behind illegal businesses in Phuket – it is those who can choose whether to arrest people or to let them go,” Mr Preechavude alleged.

Mr Preechavude argued that those with the power of the law were ultimately responsible for allowing illegal activities to continue.

“Let’s be honest, we all know who the real mafia is… it is those with the power of the law at their disposal – and the only ones with that are government officials. I am not saying all the officials are bad, but they are the ones who can abuse their power to get money,” Mr Preechavude stated.

“I am a businessman; the most I can do is pay the people we deal with to reach an agreement – and the people who receive that money are glad that we pay them,” he stated.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Mafia-rule-Patong-Kingpin-points-finger-at-officials-21992.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2013-08-17

[LivinginKata]

None of these people have any shame at all. I see no hope for any 'improvements'.

[Songhua]

He's half right.

He states that payment is expected and is the only way to open up avenues but then says the payments are made to allow for illegal activity to continue.

[sscsamui]

None of these people have any shame at all. I see no hope for any 'improvements'.

So true.

[me313]

If you can judge a person's character by their face, he looks less corrupt than some police I've seen....

[dudu]

Seems the rats are starting to come out of their holes...

[chooka]

“Let’s be honest, we all know who the real mafia is… it is those with the power of the law at their disposal"

Appears we have a dispute between the families. There is only room for one Godfather and someone has to go.

[lemoncake]

He is the son of a mayor, the very same person he is referring to.

Wonder if he could be the same "businessman" without his fathers position and protection

Edited August 18, 2013 by lemoncake

[bangarang]

“Let’s be honest, we all know who the real mafia is… it is those with the power of the law at their disposal – and the only ones with that are government officials. I am not saying all the officials are bad, but they are the ones who can abuse their power to get money,”

umm.... your the son of the MAYOR OF PATONG.... need I say more? sounds like your well connected to me.

[Tatsujin]

Interesting to see a well-known Thai publicly name the Police/Government as being the ones that are really corrupt. Will be enlightening to see how this all plays out.

[dahinni]

freaking shit, he accused his own family

Edited August 18, 2013 by dahinni

[dudu]

freaking shit, he accused his own family

Called self preservation.

[virtualtraveller]

He's got a point, but he would well know who they are, any particular reason why he can't name and shame them.

[rammis35]

He's got a point, but he would well know who they are, any particular reason why he can't name and shame them.

He doesn't want to get sued..

[klauskunkel]

My advice: Make your own list and publish it.

I loooove free entertainment

[kingstonkid]

Just imagine if the cops and military actually did their job BY THE BOOK.

That would in fat resolve all the issues. You do a crime you pay the time.

Start with the jet ski and taxi businesses.

[monkeycountry]

As always the solution is simple. Check his assets and see if they match his tax records. If not, send him to jail.

My guess is the under the table money the taxis pay his "organisation" to get and to keep their license is not registered anywhere :-)

Interesting though that he describes the Phuket police as mafia. I agree with him, but I have a feeling the police bosses will be unhappy about such a statement from a public figure like mr. Prab.

[Sharp]

He forgets to mention he thinks he can do wot he likes because he pays the 'fee'

I'm sure he prefers it this way being above the law !!!!

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

[Sharp]

“Let’s be honest, we all know who the real mafia is… it is those with the power of the law at their disposal"

Appears we have a dispute between the families. There is only room for one Godfather and someone has to go.

To say he has ruffled the feathers is an understatement I would say

Kinda thinking we will hopefully start seeing back biting going on !!

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

[jocko]

Abandon ship every man for himself.

[garydubbs]

As always the solution is simple. Check his assets and see if they match his tax records. If not, send him to jail.

My guess is the under the table money the taxis pay his "organisation" to get and to keep their license is not registered anywhere :-)

Interesting though that he describes the Phuket police as mafia. I agree with him, but I have a feeling the police bosses will be unhappy about such a statement from a public figure like mr. Prab.

i'd be surprised if he keeps anything at all in his name, thats what accountants are hired for

[yougivemebaby]

There needs to be more clarity here instead of just fingers pointed.

[Just1Voice]

He's got a point, but he would well know who they are, any particular reason why he can't name and shame them.

He doesn't want to get sued..

Or Shot! Talking like that about the revered BIB, and "politicians" - uhhh, like his father? - could be hazardous to his health.

Next week's headlines: Son of Patong Mayor found hanging from tree!. "The son of the Patong Mayor was found hanging from a tree this morning with his hands tied behind his back,along with multiple knife and bullet wounds. Police determine it was suicide."

[deckard]

The phrase " pot calling the kettle black" comes to mind .

[TackyToo]

“Let’s be honest, we all know who the real mafia is… it is those with the power of the law at their disposal"

Appears we have a dispute between the families. There is only room for one Godfather and someone has to go.

Maybe there are people living on the outskirts of Siberia’s Krasnojarsk or the Picairn Islands who don’t know who runs the Island.

According to this guy there are only two ways to solve the problem between the “families.” A classical Chicago style barbershop shootout or the new Thai way in a “democratic” election by the islanders.

[Pikeybkk]

bribespot........

[skorchio]

wow, I am surprised he has come out and said that. That is a pretty clear admission to bribery of government officials. If they (DSI) keep pressurising him, maybe he will name them outright, out of frustration. If he names them, that would be interesting, but his days might become numbered. They might be already numbered .....

[pacovl46]

Nice try!

[FireMedic]

I don't understand how hard this is. "Hi we are here from the DSI. We want to know how much money you have paid and to who(with proof of course). If not, you will go to jail for obstruction and all your illegally obtained assets will be redistributed to the people of Phuket." This could be settled in a matter of days with 1 good investigator and a team of computer analysts.

[Benmart]

There needs to be more clarity here instead of just fingers pointed.

Agree with you YGMB. It will remain to be seen how this pans out in the media and judicial system, if it reaches that point. I am amazed that I have overlooked the expertise that so many posters have in the areas of Thai Law and the Government/Political System. Some of the comments are astounding.

However, generalities and unsupported accusations mean little and I suspect they are more opinion and supposition than actual fact, which may never raise to the surface.

Just my 2-Bahts worth.

"God grant me the serenity to except the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference".