Phuket: Forensics expert gives evidence in Stein Dokset 'body in bin' case

[webfact]

Forensics expert gives evidence in Phuket body in bin case
Tanyaluk Sakoot



PHUKET: -- Norwegian Stein Havard Dokset, accused in the infamous “body in the bin” murder case, appeared in Phuket Provincial Court this morning (August 22) for the latest hearing in the case against him.

Dokset is accused of murdering his Thai girlfriend, Rungnapa “June” Suktong, and then leaving her body rotting in a garbage bin in a bathroom of his home for three years. He denies murdering her, asserting that her death was accidental. He was arrested in February last year.

The case is proceeding slowly, partly because Dokset keeps changing his lawyer – he is now on his third – and partly because only one of the four witnesses due to be heard today was able to make it to court.

The sole witness today, Pol Lt Col Kittisak Nupeung from the Phuket Forensic Science Office, explained how he and his team got into Dokset’s Kata home and found bones and decayed flesh in the bin.

The court then adjourned the case to November 8. Prosecutor Thirasak Sritutasrus told The Phuket News, “Today, there was only one witness – the other three were unable to come. They will give evidence on November 8.”

Dokset’s new lawyer, Suriyatham Thongsai, told media that he too might present witnesses at the November 8 hearing.

When asked by The Phuket News whether he was happy with today’s hearing, Dokset, who is being held in Phuket Provincial Prison, shook his head. “No. Today’s witness told the judge that the police themselves opened the door to my house. But I did it. I opened the door for them. I have to prove that.”

Last time he appeared in court, on March 9, Dokset said he was confident he would be found not guilty but today, when asked the same question he said only, “It is depends on the judge.”

Asked how life behind bars was treating him, he answered, “I’m still alive. I have not died.”

Ms Jariya’s family reported her missing in July 2009 but it was not until February last year that a tip-off led to Dokset’s home, where police found human remains in a wheelie bin taped shut.

DNA tests later confirmed the remains were those of Ms Jariya.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/forensics-expert-gives-evidence-in-phuket-body-in-bin-case-41514.php


-- Phuket News 2013-08-22

[andreandre]

not much to say really is there...

At least the rat is where he deserves to be..

[BrianCR]

Did the bin or the house stink the high heaven? Maybe it was just unkempt!

[jollyposty]

and he stayed at the house for 3 years knowing she was there in the bin that is sick

[jollyposty]

Did the bin or the house stink the high heaven? Maybe it was just unkempt!

sorry Brian but... where the police found human remains in a wheelie bin taped shut..gross

[webfact]

Dokset trial: Phuket Forensic Police recount gruesome details of body
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- The senior officer in charge of collecting forensic evidence at the home of Norwegian national Stein Harvard Dokset recounted to the court today what his team encountered when they discovered the remains of Mr Dokset’s slain ex-girlfriend, Rungnapa Suktong.

Mr Dokset, 50, stands accused of murdering Ms Rungnapa and leaving her remains to dissolve in an acid-filled trash bin in the basement of his Kata villa (story here).

Mr Dokset appeared at Phuket Provincial Court at 9:40am. He entered the court room with a smile and greeted the lawyers present, including the prosecutors, with a respectful wai.

After the greetings, however, those present settled in for a long wait. Proceedings got underway at 11am with testimony from Lt Col Kittisak Nuphueng of the Phuket Office of Forensic Science.

Col Kittisak explained to the court that Chalong Police called him to inspect Mr Dokset’s luxury six-bedroom villa in Kata at 2pm on February 27, 2011.

His team went to inspect the house the next day at 5pm, coinciding with the raid during which Mr Dokset was arrested.

“In the bathroom of the basement bedroom, we found bones in a bin that was sealed with tape,” Col Kittisak said. “There was still flesh on some of the bones."

“The bones were in a black plastic bag. On inspection, we believed the bones were human,” he added.

His team also found red spots that looked like blood along the stairway to the second floor and in a bathroom adjoining a bedroom on the third floor.

“We took photos and collected samples for DNA testing,” Col Kittisak said.

The samples were sent for forensic examination, he said.

“In a desk drawer inside the home office on the second floor, we found a woman’s shoulder bag containing a loaded 9mm gun. Also inside the bag was a permit for the 9mm handgun issued to Ms Rungnapa,” Col Kittisak said.

“As the senior officer in charge of collecting forensic evidence at the scene, that was the end of my role in the investigation,” Col Kittisak told the court.

The lengthy delay in starting the trial proceedings today drew stern words from one of the judges presiding over the trial.

“This case is taking too long,” he cautioned the prosecutors.

Three witnesses failed to show and a mix-up over who would be providing an English-language translator for Mr Dokset saw the judges waiting more than an hour and a half for today’s proceedings to get underway.

“Four witnesses were scheduled to testify today: Col Kittisak, two case investigation officers and one of Dokset’s ex-girlfriends,” explained Suriyatham Thongsai, the lawyer representing Mr Dokset.

“But three of them failed to show up,” he said.

The two case investigation officers were apparently not available and the ex-girlfriend, named only as “Ms Rungtiwa”, originally from Isaan, simply failed to present herself in court, Mr Suriyatham added.

Col Kittisak himself was scheduled to testify at 9am, but was delayed and arrived at 11am.

Adding to the delays, the prosecutors thought that Mr Dokset’s lawyers were to bring their own translator, but they did not, forcing the court to call for a court translator.

However, instead of waiting further, the court agreed for an English-speaking court officer who volunteered to facilitate proceedings as translator.

The next trial date for witnesses' testimonies was set for November 8.

In the meantime, Mr Dokset will celebrate his 51st birthday behind bars at Phuket Prison.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Dokset-trial-Phuket-Forensic-Police-recount-gruesome-details-of-body-22040.html


-- Phuket Gazette 2013-08-23

[Valentine]

Did the bin or the house stink the high heaven? Maybe it was just unkempt!

There was no smell.

[LivinginKata]

off topic post removed. Please stay on the Dokset case, thank you.

[LivinginKata]

Another off topic post removed.

[aussiebebe]

What a sad case. I can understand not wanting to report an accidental death as you'd never get a fair trial, but now even if it was accidental there is no physical evidence to support that case.

[LivinginKata]

error post removed.

[transam]

Strange how witnesses keep not showing up . In farangland these folk would have a problem with the law.

[PeterSmiles]

Dokset’s new lawyer, Suriyatham Thongsai, told media that he too might present witnesses at the November 8 hearing.

8 November has passed isn't it .

[simon43]

I am confused as to the reason for the presence of the foreign police volunteer in the photo accompanying this article from The Phuket News.

I am familiar with that person who is I understand, the same nationality as the accused. What role is he performing here? He is wearing the insignia of The Royal Thai Police, so he's not visiting as a 'friend'. He's working in some official capacity and I my understanding of the responsibilities of these volunteers is that they can act as impartial translators in court cases, when required (I have do so myself on several occasions). But that volunteer does not speak Thai and the accused speaks English better than that volunteer.

I don't want to sidetrack this post, but I'm a little uneasy about seeing the foreign volunteer in this photo. He is not acting as translator, so what role is he performing?

Simon

[steelepulse]

Looking at how big Stein's cheeks are in this photo compared to later photos, I'd venture to say this photo was taken early on in the process, not as of late being on the Phuket jail diet.

[stevenl]

I am confused as to the reason for the presence of the foreign police volunteer in the photo accompanying this article from The Phuket News.

I am familiar with that person who is I understand, the same nationality as the accused. What role is he performing here? He is wearing the insignia of The Royal Thai Police, so he's not visiting as a 'friend'. He's working in some official capacity and I my understanding of the responsibilities of these volunteers is that they can act as impartial translators in court cases, when required (I have do so myself on several occasions). But that volunteer does not speak Thai and the accused speaks English better than that volunteer.

I don't want to sidetrack this post, but I'm a little uneasy about seeing the foreign volunteer in this photo. He is not acting as translator, so what role is he performing?

Simon

Agree with Steelpulse, looking at the photo it was taken directly after his arrest, I would guess Chalong policestation. So I would not worry about him having any official role in this.

[andyphuket]

Yes, the photo is from Chalong Police Station taken just after his arrest.

The volunteer, Lars Göran, is from Sweden and he can't speak either thai or english. All he does is annoy any westerner who walks through the door.

There are other threads with more info about him and there is also an interview with him on YouTube.

Sent from my GT-I9305 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Showbags]

and he stayed at the house for 3 years knowing she was there in the bin that is sick

He did many other things while he had company in that house...

I am confused as to the reason for the presence of the foreign police volunteer in the photo accompanying this article from The Phuket News.

I am familiar with that person who is I understand, the same nationality as the accused. What role is he performing here? He is wearing the insignia of The Royal Thai Police, so he's not visiting as a 'friend'. He's working in some official capacity and I my understanding of the responsibilities of these volunteers is that they can act as impartial translators in court cases, when required (I have do so myself on several occasions). But that volunteer does not speak Thai and the accused speaks English better than that volunteer.

I don't want to sidetrack this post, but I'm a little uneasy about seeing the foreign volunteer in this photo. He is not acting as translator, so what role is he performing?

Simon

I hope your investigative skills are better for TGM

[simon43]

I hope your investigative skills are better for TGM

Completely off-topic, but I did pretty well! I deduced that the volunteer was Swedish and can't speak good Thai or English, but I didn't pass comment on the date of the photo...

Back to the news story...

[EBlair48]

Good point and probably the main reason the wheels of justice here are bolted to the rails. I guess I'm assuming witnesses are subpoenaed. Maybe not? What a mess this nation is .

Strange how witnesses keep not showing up . In farangland these folk would have a problem with the law.

[stevenl]

I hope your investigative skills are better for TGM

Completely off-topic, but I did pretty well! I deduced that the volunteer was Swedish and can't speak good Thai or English, but I didn't pass comment on the date of the photo...

Back to the news story...

Well, Stein is not Swedish

[hansgruber]

 

I hope your investigative skills are better for TGM

 

Completely off-topic, but I did pretty well!  I deduced that the volunteer was Swedish and can't speak good Thai or English, but I didn't pass comment on the date of the photo...

 

Back to the news story...

 

 

 

Well, Stein is not Swedish

He was referring to the guy playing cops in Thailand.

[Showbags]

I am confused as to the reason for the presence of the foreign police volunteer in the photo accompanying this article from The Phuket News.

I am familiar with that person who is I understand, the same nationality as the accused. What role is he performing here? He is wearing the insignia of The Royal Thai Police, so he's not visiting as a 'friend'. He's working in some official capacity and I my understanding of the responsibilities of these volunteers is that they can act as impartial translators in court cases, when required (I have do so myself on several occasions). But that volunteer does not speak Thai and the accused speaks English better than that volunteer.

I don't want to sidetrack this post, but I'm a little uneasy about seeing the foreign volunteer in this photo. He is not acting as translator, so what role is he performing?

Simon

Completely off-topic, but I did pretty well! I deduced that the volunteer was Swedish and can't speak good Thai or English, but I didn't pass comment on the date of the photo...

Back to the news story...

Well, Stein is not Swedish

He was referring to the guy playing cops in Thailand.

Like I say...hope the intel passed onto TGM was more accurate and did not result in any arrests/harassment of wrong people....

[stevenl]

I hope your investigative skills are better for TGM

Completely off-topic, but I did pretty well! I deduced that the volunteer was Swedish and can't speak good Thai or English, but I didn't pass comment on the date of the photo...

Back to the news story...

Well, Stein is not Swedish

He was referring to the guy playing cops in Thailand.

Yes,he said 'they're from the same country' and 'the 'cop' is Swedish. I can't get those 2 claims to fit.

[andreandre]

The dog apparently appeared in court today..remanded till June..

Inside two years already.....good stuff..he'll be getting a good feeling of his home of the future..

[IrishIvan]

The dog apparently appeared in court today..remanded till June..

Inside two years already.....good stuff..he'll be getting a good feeling of his home of the future..

Another mentally deranged wanna be cop off the streets. Well done BIB. He ain't paying his way out of this one