Missing Billy: Thai park chief pleads innocence

[webfact]

MISSING BILLY
Park chief pleads innocence
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE HEAD of Kaeng Krachan National Park, Chaiwat Limlikhitak-sorn, who has been linked to the disappearance of prominent Karen activist Pholachi "Billy" Rakchong-charoen, yesterday proposed talks with human-rights groups to plead his innocence over the case.

Chaiwat met with Niphon Chotibal, director-general of the Department of National Parks (DNP), Wildlife and Plant Conservation, to arrange his official transfer to Ratchaburi's Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Ban Pong). The transfer has been arranged to pave the way for a fair investigation.

Chaiwat said he was ready to talk with Dr Nirand Pitakwatchara, a member of the National Human Rights Commission, Suraphong Klongchanteuk of the Lawyers Council of Thailand, Preu Odecha, a Karen activist, and human-rights agencies to give them his version of the story.

"I personally did not know Billy or have any relationship with him," he said. "I want justice, so that's why we need to talk and put all the facts on the table."

Chaiwat has described himself as a scapegoat for Billy's disappearance on April 17. It is alleged that he was the last person who saw him.

Chaiwat reportedly questioned Billy about wild-bee honey he had in his possession. The case is being investigated by police.

Niphon, meanwhile, said he would punish Chaiwat strongly if evidence proves he was directly linked to Billy's disappearance.

He has ordered Chaiwat to be transferred for 30 days so police can work freely to investigate the case.

The transfer has not pleased everyone, however. In a related development, a group of 10 villagers from Phetchaburi's Bang Kloy and Pong Leuk villages visited the National Resources and Environment Ministry and submitted an open letter asking the ministry's permanent secretary Chote Trachu to remove Chaiwat altogether from his work at DNP.

"Chaiwat still has power to intervene in the investigation, whether he is transferred or not," Preu said.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International Thailand has also submitted a petition to Chote asking him to speed up the process to find Billy. The petition has more than 9,000 signatories from around the world.

"Billy must be freed immediately if he is still being held against his will," stated the Amnesty open letter.


-- The Nation 2014-05-15

[GentlemanJim]

Chaiwat has described himself as a scapegoat for Billy's disappearance

That line is so funny and they have no idea

[ChrisY1]

The more this guy denies any knowledge of the disappearance, the more suspicious he sounds....and the locals seem very suspicious of him also........

Hopefully, the investigation continues openly, and a conclusion is found.

[clockman]

T.I.T. Nothing will be found. Next case!

[Bluespunk]

"Niphon, meanwhile, said he would punish Chaiwat strongly if evidence proves he was directly linked to Billy's disappearance."

Nothing to do with you, mate. If Chaiwit's involved he should be on his way to gaol for good.

[Local Drunk]

Even the national parks here seem to to be in tatters.

[Cylon]

Would it not be a better idea to keep him there and question him ?

[cooked]

Thaivisa probably wouldn't let me post all the stuff that this guy has been up to, including losing a court case against Edwin de Wiek after the DNP descended on their animal sanctuary (WFFT) and confiscated the animals there, claiming that the WFFT didn't have the correct paper work and permissions (They did of course) Many animals since died or disappeared.

http://sybellefoxcroft.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/bound-and-gagged-thailand-dnp-animal-confiscation-debacle-feb-2012/ and

I have been following this story for years and can vouch for its veracity.

[Eliot Rosewater]

Chaiwat has described himself as a scapegoat for Billy's disappearance

That line is so funny and they have no idea

They are just trying to get his goat

[ggt]

Billy will not be found...lawsuit dismissed...

[soalbundy]

Tracker dogs to sniff out the grave

[Dibbler]

Yet another highly skilled DNP park official, adept at creating excellent relations with people in communities in and around his park, and leading efficient enforcement operations that protect and preserve the unique wildlife of Kaeng Krachan for all visitors to enjoy for years to come. Truly a model manager who will be quietly transferred to another post if he makes any major mistakes. Oops, looks like he just made a mistake.

[marko kok prong]

If that is him in the photo he looks downright shifty.

[bigbamboo]

Maybe he had a row with his wife? Or he could have disappeared in a mysterious landslide?

Happened before.