webfact Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 THAI-SAUDI RELATIONSCharges against police in Saudi murder trial dismissedBANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court on Monday dismissed charges in the high-profile trial of five police officers accused of snatching and murdering a Saudi businessman with close links to the Saudi palace 24 years ago.The Court said the charges were dismissed because the public prosecutors' evidences was weak and failed to convince the court that the officers had been involved in the murder and kidnapping.His death, along with the theft of invaluable jewels by a Thai janitor from a Saudi palace and the killings of three Saudi diplomats in Bangkok between 1989 and 1990, has severely strained the Thai-Saudi relations. The businessman is thought to have been abducted and killed while police were searching of the jewellery.The body of Mohammad AlRuwaili, has yet to be found and a Thai court earlier declared him as missing and presumed dead.The five officers charged with the kidnapping and murder are Lt Gen Somkid Boonthanom, a former police inspector general; Pol Col Sorarak Jusanit, superintendent of Sop Moei police in Mae Hong Son; Pol Col Praphas Piyamongkol, superintendent of Nam Khun police in Ubon Ratchathani; and two decommissioned officers Pol Lt Col Suradej Udomdee and Pol Sgt Maj Prasong Thongrung.-- The Nation 2014-03-31 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post mrtoad Posted March 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted March 31, 2014 What a joke. The Saudis will not be impressed. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post animatic Posted March 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted March 31, 2014 (edited) The long expected generic acquittal. Not exactly justice in many eyes, but what is common belief is not always enough in court. And TIT. And relations with the Saudis will now get frosty. Maybe offer them some triple price rice! Edited March 31, 2014 by animatic 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee b Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Looks like its going to be even more difficult for Thais to get visas for KSA now..... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khwaibah Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 To be expected..How to win friends and influence enemas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtFarmer Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Yeah I fear there may be some severe repercussions down the line...sad day for both countries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TVGerry Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Are we surprised? Since when are the BIBs held accountable for anything? And these aren't just ordinary policemen. They're mostly senior ranks. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post chainarong Posted March 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted March 31, 2014 Well , like the old story of the boy who called wolf, the problem is can you believe anything of this , the Thai's have been caught out so many times , frankly , is it just another white wash ,dishonesty , corruption , intimidation are rife with in the Police Department, can it be possible that it takes twenty four years to reach a verdict , it all smells of a cover up and you are dealing with the Thai police, say no more. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtoad Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 They have to cover it up, as the implications of the truth coming out will be a major embarrassment to The BIB, and other "influential people". It is and was an absolute disgrace, and says al lot about the rule of law in this country. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtFarmer Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 This is the clearest version of the incidents as far as I can see... kind of keeps the perspective on the events surrounding this whole mess..The Nation kind of lumps them all in the same basket... but who knows I am sure there were a lot more "unknown" deaths in all of it...at any rate sad day for both countries.. http://asiancorrespondent.com/50038/wikileaks-cable-the-curse-of-the-blue-diamond/ 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweatalot Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 To be expected..How to win friends and influence enemas. enemas ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londonthai Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 (edited) a background, an earlier article from the economist http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2010/09/thai-saudi_murder_mystery Edited March 31, 2014 by londonthai Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leggo Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 If there was not sufficient evidence why was this brought to court -this happened years ago and the police in any normal country would have had enough time to build a bullet proof case. It seems that Thailand has become completely and utterly devoid of any moral or legal proceeding. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 did you really expect any other outcome, didn't think so? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post TallGuyJohninBKK Posted March 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted March 31, 2014 They have to cover it up, as the implications of the truth coming out will be a major embarrassment to The BIB, and other "influential people". It is and was an absolute disgrace, and says al lot about the rule of law in this country. People here have been posting and talking a lot about the "independence" of the courts lately in connection with the various government and protest court issues and rulings. Well, as this and various other high profile criminal cases demonstrate, it's best to not get too carried away in that regard. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfalfa19 Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Shocking, but not at all surprising. I thought the courts would at least put on some kind of a show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mountain Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 No body no case ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just1Voice Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Why am I not the least bit surprised? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRick Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Someone has them and the sad part it is most likely someone who does not need the money. Can you imagine how much money could have been made by Thai workers over 20 years? 300k workers a year x 20 years x a decent wage. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Bluespunk Posted March 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted March 31, 2014 Looks like its going to be even more difficult for Thais to get visas for KSA now..... In the long run, they may be grateful about that. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post denby45 Posted March 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted March 31, 2014 It's all good for Thailand. 1.) Saudi's not allowed to visit Thailand. A definite plus for all people in Thailand. 2.) Thai's not allowed to work in Saudi. I have seen first hand how Saudi's treat the workers there. It's not a pretty sight. Den 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee b Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 It's all good for Thailand. 1.) Saudi's not allowed to visit Thailand. A definite plus for all people in Thailand. 2.) Thai's not allowed to work in Saudi. I have seen first hand how Saudi's treat the workers there. It's not a pretty sight. Den Don't know if number 1 has been enforced but i totally agree with you about your second point, been accross the middle east and they treat labourers, maids etc like dirt. When they are they they are stuck and many not even paid for months on end. Terrible really 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AhFarangJa Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 An Autocratic Profligacy looking for justice from a Democracy.......Do as I say, not as I do.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lite Beer Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Suspicion in new evidence prompts court to acquit all officers in the missing Saudi businessman case BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court today acquitted five senior police officers of abduction and murder charges in connection with the disappearance of Saudi businessman Mohammad Al-Ruwaili in 1990 after finding the evidence produced by the state prosecutors contained several causes of suspicions. The five senior police officers implicated and accused of kidnapping and murder of the businessman include Pol Lt-Gen Somkit Boonthanom, former commissioner of the Fifth Region Provincial Police Headquarters, Pol Col Sorarak Chusanit, superintendent of Sob Moei district police of Mae Hong Son province, Pol Col Prapass Piyamongkol, superintendent of Namkhun district police of Ubon Ratchathani province, and two retired police officer Pol Lt-Col Suradej Udomdee, and Pol Sgt Prasong Torrang.The state prosecutor filed charges against the five officers in the Criminal Court on January 23, 2010, accusing them of kidnapping, pre-meditated murder and cover of crimes in January 23, 2010.The case was renewed by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) during the Yingluck government with intent to restore diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia.In the suit filed against the five defendants in the Criminal Court, the prosecutor recalled the bitter conflict between the Saudi government of which its majority population are Sunnis and the Shiite ruled Iranian government in 1987. It said the Saudi government drastically suppressed the Shiite pilgrims from Iran to Mecca causing a large number of casualties.The suppression triggered worldwide revenge against the Saudi government with the assassination and killings of many Saudi diplomats in many countries.The state prosecutor said on January 4, 1989, a Saudi diplomat was shot dead at Silom area in Bang Rak district of Bangkok. The killing prompted the Saudi government to seek protection for its diplomats in Thailand. The Saudi embassy also repeated its call to the Police Department at that time several times.But on February 1, 1990, three Saudi diplomats were shot dead in two incidents in Yannawa area. The Thai government at that time had ordered the then police chief Pol Gen Sawaeng Thirasawat to hunt down the murderers.It said during February 12-15, the five police officers had been tasked with the assignment to conduct investigation and hunt down the murderers.The five defendants later kidnapped the Saudi businessman Mohammad Al-Ruwaili, who had close connection with the Faisal royal family, on belief that he was involved in the deaths of Saudi diplomats in conflict relating to the export of Thai workers to Saudi Arabi.They detained the Saudi businessman at Chim Pli hotel in Klong Ton area, bodily assaulting, torturing him in bid to force him confess that he was involved in the shootings of the Saudi diplomats. The businessman was later shot dead by the group of officers.The state prosecutors told the court that such action of these officers showed that they had premeditated the murder of the businessman.They told the court that after killing him, these officers brought his body to dispose of by burning at a plantation in Sriracha district of Chonburi to cover up the crime.In the renewed investigation, the five officers were later summoned to hear charges by the Department of Special Investigation.The DSI was tasked to renew the case after there was no progress in the past 20 years.In the new probe, a golden ring was claimed to be a new evidence.The ring was said to be recovered by an investigator Pol Lt Col Suvichai Kaewpaluek, at the bottom of a partly burnt oil drum and believed to be owned by the Saudi businessman.The DSI then proposed the state prosecutor to bring the five officers to trial on kidnap and premeditated murder.But the Criminal Court was suspicious about the recovered golden ring claimed by the DSI. It said that the prosecutor did not bring the investigator who is the key witness to the case to testify to the court, but just a written account of his finding.Besides there were many causes of suspicions about the golden ring which was claimed to belong to the Saudi businessman, the court said.The court then questioned why the key witness did not report the ring to his superior but to Pol Lt-Gen Chalor Kerdthes who had nothing to do with the case.The court concluded that it needed to listen to the plaintiff’s testimony with caution and the key evidence contained so many causes of suspicions.In the emergence of suspicion in the case, the court said it has to acquit the five defendants of the charges for the benefit of the accused. Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/suspicion-new-evidence-prompts-court-acquit-officers-missing-saudi-businessman-case/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=suspicion-new-evidence-prompts-court-acquit-officers-missing-saudi-businessman-case -- Thai PBS 2014-03-31 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbamboo Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Shocking, but not at all surprising. I thought the courts would at least put on some kind of a show. Tarit's probably got them busy rehearsing his own upcoming productions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
borisloosebrain Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 And the prize for the fattest envelope goes to ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomtomtom69 Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Can anyone explain why these police officers had to come from their precincts on the Burmese and Lao borders to Bangkok to commit these murders? Weren't there enough police officers in Bangkok to do the job? Wasn't there enough work for that officer in Sob Moei, directly opposite one of Myanmar's most lawless regions, where drug and human trafficking is rife? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webfact Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 Court dismisses Saudi businessman's murder caseBy Digital ContentBANGKOK, March 31 – The Criminal Court today acquitted charges against five Thai police officers in connection with the illegal detention and premeditated murder of a Saudi businessman 24 years ago.Pol Lt Gen Somkid Boonthanom and four police officers allegedly took Mohammad al-Ruwali to a Bangkok hotel for questioning after which he was killed.The court said additional evidence including a ring, which was claimed to belong to Mr al-Ruwali, was insufficient and vague.The ring was supplied by investigative officers to support the murder charges.Mr al-Ruwali’s death has severely affected Thai-Saudi relations after the Middle Eastern country downgraded ties with Thailand and they have never been restored ever since.The court said witnesses and evidence for the case must be clear since the suspects could face the death sentence if found guilty.Mr al-Ruwali was involved in the job placement business between Saudi Arabia and Thailand before his disappearance in February 1990.The Department of Special Investigation revived the case 2009 and indicted the five suspects in court only a month before the case was due to expire.Saudi Arabia has suspected that Thai police were involved in the 1990 disappearance of businessman Mohammad al-Ruwaili and the murders of four members of Saudi Arabia's diplomatic staff in Bangkok.The Saudi government believes that the murders were linked to the theft of US$2 million worth of jewels from the palace of a prince in Riyadh, many of which were never recovered. (MCOT online news)-- TNA 2014-03-31 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai at Heart Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Court dismisses Saudi businessman's murder case By Digital Content BANGKOK, March 31 – The Criminal Court today acquitted charges against five Thai police officers in connection with the illegal detention and premeditated murder of a Saudi businessman 24 years ago. Pol Lt Gen Somkid Boonthanom and four police officers allegedly took Mohammad al-Ruwali to a Bangkok hotel for questioning after which he was killed. The court said additional evidence including a ring, which was claimed to belong to Mr al-Ruwali, was insufficient and vague. The ring was supplied by investigative officers to support the murder charges. Mr al-Ruwali’s death has severely affected Thai-Saudi relations after the Middle Eastern country downgraded ties with Thailand and they have never been restored ever since. The court said witnesses and evidence for the case must be clear since the suspects could face the death sentence if found guilty. Mr al-Ruwali was involved in the job placement business between Saudi Arabia and Thailand before his disappearance in February 1990. The Department of Special Investigation revived the case 2009 and indicted the five suspects in court only a month before the case was due to expire. Saudi Arabia has suspected that Thai police were involved in the 1990 disappearance of businessman Mohammad al-Ruwaili and the murders of four members of Saudi Arabia's diplomatic staff in Bangkok. The Saudi government believes that the murders were linked to the theft of US$2 million worth of jewels from the palace of a prince in Riyadh, many of which were never recovered. (MCOT online news) -- TNA 2014-03-31 Who's the dude in the cape? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bung Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Wow. You quoted that whole article to just say that? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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