Irregularities Investigation On Waste Water Treatment Plant

[Jai Dee]

Investigation on alleged irregularities in the Klong Dan waste water treatment plant will be completed before 2007

Investigation on the Klong Dan (คลองด่าน) waste water treatment scandal in Samut Prakan should be concluded before its statute of limitations ends in 2007.

Pollution Control Department chief Apichai Chawacharoenpan (อภิชัย ชวเจริญพันธ์) said the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC), which oversees the case, has confirmed that it would wrap up the inquiry before the statute of limitations expires next year.

There were concerns that suspects in the alleged corruption, some politicians included, could be let off the hook if the investigation was not completed soon.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 June 2006

[penzman]

Never heard about that waste water treatment plant. Samut Prakan sure needs a huge clean up with it's industrial plants, the place reaaly reeks of chemicals , especially from the tanning factories. The odour can be compared to a giant tomcat spraying the area on a daily basis.

My in-laws have a small river running at the back of their property, the whole neighbourhood used to swim in it 20 odd years ago. Now the water is black, the banks look like there's been an oil spill. TV crews have done multiple interviews with the local residents about the water quality. It all came down to local officials receiving bribes while factories freely discharge chemicals at night. I never sleep there anymore as my one and only try at it resulted in heavy allergies suddenly appearing and breathing problems in the middle of the night. I couldn't believe how heavy the odour was and that nothing gets done about it.

[sriracha john]

Investigation on alleged irregularities in the Klong Dan waste water treatment plant will be completed before 2007

UPDATE... well, it wasn't done so before the end of 2007, but...

Former pollution control chief faces arrest

The Dusit District Court yesterday issued an arrest warrant for a former Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, who failed to appear for a court hearing into the controversial Klong Dan waste water treatment project in Samut Prakan province. The warrant has been issued for Pakit Keeravanit, who was to testify about the signing of a contract between the department and Joint Venture NVPSKG, a construction consortium which was awarded the contract. The department filed a multi-billion-baht lawsuit against NVPSKG and 18 others including former Interior Minister [and current Puea Pandin Party Chief Advisor] Vatana Asavahame for alleged fraud.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/28Mar2008_news14.php

[sriracha john]

One defendant AWOL and another is sick...

Klong Dan trial postponed due to illness

The Supreme Court on Friday delayed a graft trial on the Klong Dan waste treatement case because Puea Pandin Party Chief Adviser Vatana Asavahame was suffering from influenza.

Vatana was scheduled to testify in his defence over alleged involvement in irregularities relating to the land scam to inflate price of the plot designated for the construction of waste treatment plant in Samut Prakan.

A new hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

how amazingly unsurpising...

Vatana 'was being coerced': Witness

Waste treatment plant charges came after he refused to join Thaksin camp

Graft charges relating to the Klong Dan waste-treatment case were fabricated as a bargaining chip to coerce the support of veteran politician Vatana Asavahame for the Thaksin Shinawatra government, a key defence witness told the Supreme Court yesterday.

Speaking under oath, Information and Communications Technology Minister Mun Patanotai said that in 2004, ex-premier Thaksin had tried to strengthen his grip on power by merging various political factions and parties with his Thai Rak Thai Party.

Under his plans, Thaksin targeted the Vatana faction, the Chart Thai Party clique led by Somchai Kunplome [the infamous murderer on the run, Kamnan Po] and a Democrat Pracha Pothipipit, Mun said.

At a dinner coordinated by two government politicians - Phumtham Wechayachai and Pinij Charusombat - Thaksin asked Vatana and his electoral candidates from Samut Prakan to become his allies under the Thai Rak Thai banner, he said.

Vatana turned down the offer for fear of creating a parliamentary dictatorship, he said, adding that this led Phumtham to warn him about facing graft proceedings on the Klong Dan case.

Vatana, now the Chief Adviser of the Puea Pandin Party - part of the governing coalition - is standing trial for involvement in an alleged land scam in connection with the Bt20-billion construction project for the waste-treatment plant. It occurred when he was deputy interior minister supervising the Land Department from 1997 to 2000.

He is accused of abuse of power for the unlawful issuing of land title deeds covering 1,900 rai of public land to be sold as a construction site to the of Pollution Control Department (PCD). He is fighting the charges in the Supreme Court's Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holders.

Another defence witness, former PCD director-general Siriphan Pairojboriboon, outlined the construction project and the bidding for the purchase of the plot.

Before the two witnesses took the stand, defence lawyer Paiboon Ponoi sought and received the court's permission for Vatana to be absent from the session on medical grounds.

As evidence for the illness of his client, Paiboon filed a medical report confirming that Vatana was undergoing treatment for temporary loss of memory.

The high court has set the next three sessions for April 8, April 11 and April 17 to complete the testimony of 16 defence witnesses.

- The Nation (today)

[slapout]

Instead of refusing to answer due to self incrimanation, we have a new medical condition. Tempory loss of memory, How long doc? my client says memory should be restored after statue of limitations run out, witnesses for proscution go missing or recant statements or any other legal details which may threaten his freedom are dealt with. Does seem to be a lot of this going around recently, must be catching.

.

[sriracha john]

Vatana testifies in court over corruption charges

Former Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame testified Thursday over corruption charges related to the Klong Dan waste water treatment project.

Vatana arrived at the Supreme Court at 9:15 am and is scheduled to testify to the Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holders at 9:30 am.

- The Nation

[Tony Clifton]

So, what was the treatment for his temporary loss of memory? A well written and rehearsed testimony?

Or will he show up with a worsened condition with permanent loss of memory?

They all come up with excuses and lies worthy of little school children.

Doctors who help with this should be investigated and banned from practicing for life.

[sriracha john]

Former Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame testified in the corruption court against politicians Thursday over corruption charges related to the Klong Dan waste water treatment project.

The Nation

High-profile witnesses called in Klong Dan case

The Supreme Court yesterday issued a court order calling for a number of leading politicians to testify as witnesses in the Klong Dan land scandal case against former Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame.

The list includes former Deputy PM Vishanu Kruangarm, Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silapa-archa, Pracharaj Party leader Sanoh Thienthong and senior officials at the Land Department.

They have been called to testify early next month.

Vatana showed up in court for the first time after four postponements because of health problems. He refused to testify verbally and tried to negotiate for a written defence, which the court rejected.

However, Vatana succeeded in leaving the court before giving verbal testimony yesterday, but the court, led by Judge ML Krairerk Kasemsan and eight other judges, will summon him back soon.

Vatana cited temporary amnesia and mental confusion for his failure to show up in the past and for not responding to the court this time. He said he was still sick.

Vatana is alleged to have been involved in the issue of illegal land titles for 1,900 rai of land covering public canals and a garbage dump site in Samut Prakan's Bang Bo district and resold to the state for the multi-billion baht water-treatment site.

The politician, who is arguably the most influential man in Samut Prakan province, showed up in a black suit yesterday and told the media that he was a victim of character assassination.

"I've been a politician for 30 or 40 years. My family's reputation has been ruined ... If I'm really guilty, don't jail me for life - execute me!" *well ok... but only because you insist*

The first testimony from witnesses will start on May 2.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

Former Deputy PM Testifies in Waste Water Plant Corruption Case

Former Deputy Prime Minister [during the Thaksin era] Kruangam testified today in the hearing of the Klong Dan waste water treatment plant corruption case.

Wisanu took the stand in front of the Supreme Court's division for political office holders to testify in the malfeasance case of former Deputy Interior Minister, Wattana Asawahem.

Wattana allegedly violated sections 148 and 157 of the criminal code in threatening officials to get title deeds for 1,900 rai of public land. The piece of land was then sold to the state to be used to construct the Klong Dan waste water treatment plant in Samut Prakarn Province.

- Thailand Outlook / 02-05-08

[sriracha john]

The really big names are coming out...

Party leaders Banharn and Snoh attend Klong Dan corruption case

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions summoned former Interior Minister Wattana Asavahame to clarify the 23-billion-baht Klong Dan wastewater treatment project corruption case.

Today the witnesses include the Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silpa-archa, the Pracharat Party Leader Snoh Thienthong, the Democrat Party Deputy Leader Mr. Trairong Suwankhiri, and the former Deputy Minister of Interior Banyat Bantadtan.

Meanwhile, Mr. Wattana has arrived at the court with a stressful look. hahahahahaha

- ThaiNews (today)

[astral]

Did they ever get the plant in Pattaya working?

[sriracha john]

Vatana tells court of 'harassment' by Thaksin

Puea Pandin Party Chairman Vatana Asavahame, testifying in the final hearing in the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project corruption case, claimed yesterday he had been politically harassed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Supreme Court's Political Division for Political Office Holders will issue a verdict on the case on July 9 after both the plaintiffs and defendants give their closing statements on June 25.

A panel of nine judges presided over the final hearing in the case in which the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) accused Vatana of abusing his power by forcing officials to issue 1,900 rai of land title deeds over public land and canals to sell to the Pollution Control Department for the construction of a wastewater treatment project in Tambon Klong Dan, in Samut Prakan's Bang Bo district.

Vatana said that in 2003, when he was Chief Adviser to the Rassadorn Party, he had refused to merge with the Thai Rak Thai Party because he disapproved of parliamentary dictatorship. "By turning down Thaksin's invitation, I was harassed and became a defendant in this case.

I was also accused by the Department of Special Investigation, established by the Thaksin government to harass political rivals, of encroaching on a forest reserve in Phang Nga," he added.

Vatana said the NCCC had discriminated against him in the Klong Dan case and failed to give him justice, as it did not take action against Palm Beach Development. "I have been fighting this case for 15 years and the maximum punishment is life imprisonment - but if I am guilty as charged, just sentence me to death,'' he said.

- The Nation (today)

=====================================================

Ok, Vatana, but perhaps we can get that as a "2 for 1" deal with both him and his harasser...

[LomSak27]

how amazingly unsurpising... Vatana 'was being coerced': Witness

Waste treatment plant charges came after he refused to join Thaksin camp

Ahh nice to see you have your bandwagon rolling this morning sriracha. AND it is doubtful many gentle TV posters on will connect up this infamous waste water project as the Dems party mega project skim off patronage cow of their day, oooooozing graft and corruption just like Suvv airport under Taksin. How many years later and it is still going on, with little solved?

Another funny thing, ever notice that the only corruption unnearthed by the Democrats is just dirt on their political enemies? You never hear them pointing the finger at their political backers who encroach on land set aside for the poor or steal in many other ways. Or in this case clean up the old Klong Dan scandal, nope they can't do that. Many foreigners listen to the Democrats and believe what they are selling: that they are clean, everyone else is dirty and that they deserve the 'chance' to lead.

Most Thais disagree.

[sriracha john]

- From The Nation / 07-07-08

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Position Holders will make its ruling on a corruption case involving the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project.

Puea Pandin Party Chairman Vatana Asavahame is among the defendants.

[sriracha john]

Today's the day...

Court to hand down Vatana verdict today

Accused of corruption in Klong Dan project

The Supreme Court will today hand down its verdict in a high-profile case against veteran politician Vatana Asavahame for alleged corruption involving the issuance of title deeds for the construction site of the fraud-ridden Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) in 2002 lodged a complaint with the NCCC accusing Vatana of conspiring with land and pollution control officials to issue fake land deeds for 1,900 rai of land in Samut Prakan's Bang Bo district. The alleged offence was committed in 1992 and 1993, when Vatana was Deputy Interior Minister. The land was sold to the PCD, the project developer, at an allegedly inflated price. The NCCC's investigation panel forwarded the cases to the Attorney-General, which prosecuted the case in the Supreme Court.

Prosecutors filed separate cases against five officials involved. However, legal experts doubt the five will be brought to justice as the 15-year statue of limitations in the case will expire in October. If convicted Vatana, who is now Chairman of the Puea Pandin Party, will face one to 10 years in jail and/or a 2,000-25,000 baht fine. Lawyer Nakrit Sawettanan, who used to work on the case on behalf of the PCD, said today's verdict could have an influence on another criminal case in which Vatana is also a defendant. He was referring to a lawsuit filed by the PCD in late 2005 against 18 parties for alleged corruption in land acquisition and breach of contracts with the department involving the Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant, causing damage to the state of about 20 Billion Baht. Other defendants besides Vatana include an elder brother of banned TRT executive Suwat Liptapanlop [husband of the current Energy Minister], the wife of former Commerce Minister Subin Pinkayan, and others who formed the NVPSKG consortium to operate the project. The 23-Billion-Baht Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant is about 95% completed. The construction was suspended years ago due to strong opposition from locals who fear the plant will have a negative impact on the pristine local coastal ecology.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/090708_News/09Jul2008_news14.php

Edited July 9, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

COMMENTARY

So, what's to be done with Klong Dan?

It's been nearly two decades since the graft-ridden, 23-billion-baht Klong Dan wastewater treatment project was abandoned and a group of politicians, their associates and state officials ordered to undergo trial in court. There remains the question: what to do with the doomed project, which is now literally a monument of graft? As the Supreme Court is to hand down a verdict today on Vatana Asavahame, deciding the fate of the veteran politician who is now president of Puea Pandin Party, for his role in the purchase of land for the plant, the fate of the Klong Dan project is still unclear. The mammoth wastewater treatment project, situated on 1,900 rai of land in Samut Prakan province, was over 90% complete when fierce protests by local environmentalists who complained against possible impact on the coastal ecology and irregularities during the land procurement and construction process, brought everything to a halt and generated one of the country's biggest corruption scandals. For this reason many people, including Natural Resources and Environment Minister Anongwan Thepsutin [wife of Banned Thai Rak Thai Party Executive Somsak Thepsuthin], want to revive the project

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/090708_News/09Jul2008_news22.php

[sriracha john]

Today's the day...

Court to hand down Vatana verdict today

Accused of corruption in Klong Dan project

The Supreme Court will today hand down its verdict in a high-profile case against veteran politician Vatana Asavahame for alleged corruption involving the issuance of title deeds for the construction site of the fraud-ridden Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant.

Yesterday turns out NOT to be the day....

Arrest warrant issued for ex-Deputy Interior Minister

BANGKOK, July 9 (TNA) - Thailand's Supreme Court Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for former Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame after he failed to appear in court to hear a ruling on his alleged involvement in a corruption case related to a wastewater treatment project.

The Attorney-General earlier charged that Vatana, currently Chairman of the Puea Pandin Party, had abused his power or persuaded others to jointly issue land title deeds applying to 1,900 rai which apparently overlapped a public canal and was an area to dump garbage.

The land Vatana owned later would be sold to the central governments Pollution Control Department which intended to build a wastewater treatment facility in Bang Bo district of Samut Prakan province near Bangkok.

Vatana's lawyer told the court that the former deputy minister told him beforehand that he would attend Wednesday's hearing, but he failed to appear.

In the absence of any communication from Vattana, the court then determined that Vatana intended not to appear, and impounded bail amounting to 2 Million Baht which he had posted earlier.

Also, in issuing the arrest warrant, the court opted to postpone announcement of its verdict to August 18.

The former government of prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra appointed a 34-member panel on April 3, 2003 to investigate the wastewater treatment project which was plagued with alleged corruption. Construction of the project which was then almost complete was halted.

The project sparked extreme controversy after local residents in Klong Dan protested at the lack of transparency regarding the 23 Billion Baht investment. Several panels investigated and determined that several parties, including civil servants, politicians, and others were involved in malpractice causing significant public loss.

------------------------------------------------------

Arrest warrant issued for ex-Deputy Interior Minister

Wonder if, with his prior experiences, the current Interior Minister can make some good recommendations to him on places to hide out in Cambodia...

[JetsetBkk]

...

Arrest warrant issued for ex-Deputy Interior Minister

Wonder if, with his prior experiences, the current Interior Minister can make some good recommendations to him on places to hide out in Cambodia...

You couldn't make this stuff up! What a great country Thailand would be without all these snouts-in-the-trough greedy b@stards. F*cking shame.

[sriracha john]

Vatana faces arrest warrant

Court gets tough after defendant skips hearing

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders issued an arrest warrant yesterday for former Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame for failing to appear to hear its ruling on a graft case linked to the Klong Dan wastewater plant scandal.

"It seems obvious he did not intend to appear in court and he has violated the bail contract," said Senior Judge ML Krairerk Kasemsant, who heads the panel of judges.

"His guarantor could be fined and an arrest warrant will be issued to ensure he appears at the next ruling at 2pm on August 18," he said.

The statement was issued after Vatana's lawyer, Paiboon Phonoi, told the court he had not been able to contact Vatana for three days. "He confirmed to me three days ago over the phone that he would be appearing. But I was unable to contact him today and I have no idea where he is," Paiboon said.

Vatana, who is also a Chairman of Puea Pandin Party, faces a lawsuit filed by the Attorney-General for the graft case linked to the 23.7 Billion Baht wastewater treatment plant controversy.

The project in Samut Prakan sparked a corruption investigation after the scandal broke about a decade ago. Vatana is one of 19 defendants in the case. He is accused of abusing his power while Deputy Interior Minister by pushing for the illegal issuing of land-ownership deeds on five plots of public land - an area totalling 1,900 rai - and selling the land to the Pollution Control Department (PCD), the project owner, at an inflated cost of almost 2 Billion Baht.

If the court finds him guilty, Vatana would be jailed for at least five years and, at worst, could face the death penalty.

Vatana has postponed court hearings four times already during the trial, claiming health problems.

The former minister was free on bail of 2.2 Million Baht. Interviewed on May 8, he insisted he was innocent and that he would receive the maximum penalty if he found guilty. He had also agreed to appear for the ruling.

Pol Lt Gen Chatchawan Suksomjit said yesterday evening that documents relating to the case had yet to arrive at his office.

"We will process them right away if we receive the document as the case is in the public spotlight. The arrest warrant will be immediately sent to all relevant authorities and border crossings," he said. *too late? is he already enjoying the gaming tables in a neighboring country?*

PCD Chief Supat Wangwongwattana said a ruling on Vatana would not directly affect to the wastewater plant. Sub-committees had been set up recently to try to find a solution for the troubled project, which is 98 per cent completed.

"A civil case into this project is in the arbitration process, between PCD and NVPSKG, the construction joint-venture. For another criminal case between the PCD and 18 people in relation to the land fraud, we had just replaced the legal team [for higher efficiency]," Supat revealed.

- The Nation

Edited July 9, 2008 by sriracha john

[slapout]

Put a reward on his head, impound all property, and for a final touch revoke his passport. He is susposed to be one of the wealthest people in Thailand. I seem to remember he was some how involved in an attempt to get a visa to the US several years back, could be mistaken on that.

[sriracha john]

"Attention all cars...Attention all cars...Be on the look-out for...."

Vatana on the run

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for veteran politician Vatana Asavahame after he failed to turn up to hear the verdict in the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project corruption case. The warrant was approved after his lawyer Paiboon Phonoi told them that he could not contact his client. Paiboon said he had talked to Vatana, who is chief adviser to the Puea Pandin party, on the telephone a few days ago and his client had promised to show up. Chalao Timthong, a villager in tambon Klong Dan, who has fought for 10 years for justice in the Klong Dan case, said he was disappointed that Vatana did not turn up. "Vatana fears he will be punished by the court. If he is brave enough, he should come to hear the verdict," Mr Chalao said. Klong Dan locals were less interested in whether Vatana goes to jail than in steps to protect their natural resources and to deliver justice, he said. The harshest punishment that the court could deliver is the death penalty as Vatana's alleged offence violates several articles in the Criminal Code and the National Counter Corruption Act of 1999. Vatana, 71, had postponed his testimony four times, claiming he suffered from a brain illness and temporary memory loss. On May 8, he was at the court and insisted on his innocence. He had also told reporters that he would not flee but would show up to hear the verdict. He even challenged authorities to execute him if he was found guilty. Vatana's no-show at court recalls the case of Somchai Khunpluem, who was charged in a case involving abuse of authority and the sale of public land to the state. Somchai, better known as Kamnan Poh, a former influential local administrator in Chonburi and other eastern coastal provinces, failed to turn up when the Supreme Court found him guilty for his role in the sale of a 140-rai land plot in Pattaya city to develop a dump site. He was given a jail sentence, but is believed to be in hiding in

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=128798

=============================================================================

Kamnan Poh (also convicted of first degree murder in addition to the above corruption conviction) and his entire family's long-standing escapades are detailed here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Sinking-Lowe...31.html&hl=

Sinking Lower The Lowest, Pattaya City News Breaks Record

Edited July 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Put a reward on his head, impound all property, and for a final touch revoke his passport. He is susposed to be one of the wealthest people in Thailand. I seem to remember he was some how involved in an attempt to get a visa to the US several years back, could be mistaken on that.

No, you got it correct... He was refused entry into the United States as an international drug smuggler on a huge scale...

Incidentally, this was taken from a thread on yet still another criminal case of his...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Vatana-Charg...1010244&hl=

Vatana Charged With Encroaching On Forest Reserves In Phang Nga

Vatana Asavahame

He certainly does seem to have a history :

Vatana, nine others accused in Klong Dan scandal

Graft report names VIPs, senior officials: Veteran politician Vatana Asavahame and nine others will be charged with involvement in corruption surrounding the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project.

- Bangkok Post, June 11, 2003

Thai Foreign Minister Prasong Soonsiri said the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration had given him information showing Vatana Asavahame had been involved in marijuana trafficking for 20 years, the source, a government member of parliament, said. "Vatana gained at least 10 billion baht ($400 million) from the marijuana trade," the source quoted Prasong as saying.

- Reuters, July 7, 1994

as to his whereabouts, perhaps the authorities could get additional information from his son... (who was the subject of yet ANOTHER thread)...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Mayor-Charge...1316300&hl=

Mayor Charged After Drunken Fight With Police, Samut Prakan mayor busted

[sriracha john]

Have You See This Man?

Absconders forcing courts to rethink bail

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders might get tougher with defendants in future corruption cases, following the flight of some well-known politicians during their temporary release.

A judge from the court, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that raising the amount of surety required was an option to discourage possible escape.

However, the judge said the defendant's rights and freedom would also have to be taken into consideration and the matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

"We should not be too strict. We must also care about the rights and freedom of the defendant as long as a court verdict is not out. If the defendant flees, the surety will be seized and he will be hunted down for arrest. Also, it is possible that the court will acquit the defendant," the judge said.

The judge was speaking after Vatana Asavahame, Chairman of the ruling coalition Puea Pandin Party, failed to show up to hear the court's verdict in a corruption case against him over the controversial Klong Dan wastewater management project. Vatana is accused of abusing his authority when serving as deputy interior minister and unlawfully obtaining land that was later used for the project.

The judge said the surety in Vatana's case was Bt2 million, which was higher than what was requested in similar cases. "This case carries a maximum penalty of capital punishment, but when compared to other cases with similar penalty, the requested surety of Bt2 million is considered very high," the judge said.

Meanwhile, police yesterday warned people against sheltering the fugitive politician.

Police General Jongrak Juthanond, the Deputy National Police Chief responsible for finding Vatana, said police stations in Samut Prakan province and Bangkok's Suan Luang district, where the fugitive politician has homes, were ordered to keep 24-hour surveillance of the places.

The Immigration Police have also been instructed to look out for Vatana attempting to leave the country, he added.

Jongrak said police would try to find Vatana and produce him before the court by August 18, as stated in the arrest warrant issued by the Supreme Court.

"If we find Vatana in anyone's house, that person will face legal action," Jongrak said. He added that all Vatana's relatives contacted by police had insisted they were unaware of his whereabouts.

"Police will not accept any conditions for his surrender," the officer said.

National Police Chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan yesterday said the police would try to prevent Vatana from fleeing the country. He insisted there had been no "political orders" for preferential treatment towards the fugitive politician.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Vatana stays ahead of police

Police are looking for politician Vatana Asavahame after receiving an arrest warrant from the Supreme Court, but admit they don't know where he is. The court issued the warrant after he failed to turn up to hear the verdict in the Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant corruption case. Copies of the warrant were being forwarded to police across the country to stop him leaving the country, deputy national police chief Jongrak Juthanont said. There had been no reports of Vatana having left the country. Police said he had not been seen at his residence in Samut Prakan or another home in Phatthanakan Soi 20 in Suan Luang district in Bangkok. Nor had Vatana contacted police to surrender. "We have no clues to his whereabouts. By now he should be aware that the court has issued the warrant. If police find him, he will be arrested," Pol Lt-Gen Jongrak said. A Supreme Court source said the court may consider raising bail to 100 million baht in the future to ensure defendants return to hear the verdict. As police in Bangkok and Samut Prakan were searching for the Chief Adviser of the Puea Pandin Party, police in Chiang Rai were still awaiting the warrant. Some believe Vatana could try to cross the border at the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen district, and hide in Burma. Pol Col Surachai Thianchai, Chiang Saen police chief, said police in the northern province could not act until they receive the warrant. The court will now

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/110708_News/11Jul2008_news10.php

[sriracha john]

Police looking for politician Vatana Asavahame after failing to appear in court

Pol. Gen. Jongrak Juthanont, the Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, says he has not contacted or coordinated with relevant units to bring in the Chairman of the Puea Pandin (For the Motherland) Party and former Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame. The Supreme Court has decided to issue an arrest warrant to Vatana after he failed to turn up to hear the verdict in the Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant corruption case.

Pol. Gen. Jongrak however says all police forces along the border areas of Thailand have been assigned to tighten up, as political veteran Vatana could be attempting to cross the border.

He says the police will take Vatana to the Supreme Court immediately, once he is found.

He says the court will read the verdict on August 18th.

The Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police says more investigating units have been dispatched to Samut Prakan province, where Vatana's residence is located.

- ThaiNews

==========================================

I'm guessing that the word "not" in the first sentence is an unintended typo slip...although perhaps it could be a Freudian one as well.

Edited July 11, 2008 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

May he croak on the run away from loved ones, if there are any.

[marshbags]

The Nation, 11-07-08

Jongrak: Vatana may be in Poi Pet

Fugitive Vatana Asavahame is believed to have absconded to his hotel in Poi Pet, Cambodia, Deputy National Police Commissioner Pol-General Jongrak Juthanont said on Friday.

Police have issued an arrest warrant for Puea Pandin Party chairman Vatana after he failed to show up to hearthe verdict on Wednesday in the Klong Dan wastewater treatment corruption case.

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) charged Vatana for abuse of power in relation to the illegal issuing of five land title deeds in 1992-1993. The land subsequently sold to be used for the construction of Klong Dan wastwater treatment project.

Jongrak said Vatana owned two hotels that also operate a casino in Poi Pet. Police received a tip-off from an informant that relatives of Vatana went to see him in Poi Pet Resort Hotel & Casino.

Police suspect Vatana escaped out of the country by crossing the border either through Trat or Sa Kaeo, or he could have taken a boat from Samut Prakan to Cambodia.

Unquote

surprise, surprise.

Lots of fellow runners " AKA EVIL B*ST*RDS " in this little old country.

Wonder if bounty hunters would be encouraged to relocate them in Thailand. " dead or alive " as a bit of overdue karma with mega monetary incentives

One suspected of being there is an old infamous god father from Pattas / Chonburi

A truly evil obnoxious B*ST*RD of the highest order.

marshbags

Edited July 11, 2008 by marshbags

[sriracha john]

Fugitive Vatana Asavahame is believed to have absconded to his hotel in Poi Pet, Cambodia

Vatana owned two hotels that also operate a casino in Poi Pet

He owns two hotels on the right side in a border town? How convenient...

[Heng]

He's most likely still in Samutprakarn. He's as close to untouchable as they get. Same as for Kamnan Poh who is indeed still in Cholburi and regularly advising his sons on how to run their various activities.