Irregularities Investigation On Waste Water Treatment Plant

[sriracha john]

Police Unsure if Wanted Politician is Still in Thailand

The police are still looking for the a former Deputy Interior Minister, wanted in connection with a corrupt wastewater treatment plant. Rumor has it that Vatana Asavahame has already left the country.

Deputy National Police Chief Jongrak Juthanon said that he still cannot confirm if former Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame remains in the country. No immigration office in the country have records of his departure from Thailand.

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for Vatana after he failed to appear in court to hear a ruling on the Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant.

Jongrak, however, noted that if he has already left the country, Vatana might have done so through one of the many border areas where no immigration office is stationed.

He added that Vatana’s investment in casinos along the Thai border has led to an assumption that the former Deputy Interior Minister left the country before the arrest warrant was issued.

The Deputy National Police Chief said that as soon as there is confirmed information on Vatana’s escape, Thai authorities would promptly liaise with neighboring officials to find his whereabouts.

The irregularities surrounding the project hit the headlines after local residents in Klong Dan protested at the lack of transparency regarding the 23-billion-baht investment.

After a lengthy investigation, it was determined that several parties, including civil servants and politicians, were involved in malpractice causing significant public loss.

Meanwhile, the Chiang Rai police have confirmed that if Vatana has left Thailand, he did not do so via a border checkpoint.

All immigration offices in Chiang Rai have been instructed to be extra vigilant in an attempt to find Vatana.

- Thailand Outlook / 11 July 2008

[Old Man River]

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

Is this reminding anyone of the "manhunt" for Duangchalerm?

[Johpa]

Is this reminding anyone of the "manhunt" for Duangchalerm?

After thirty years of following Thai politics, these events no longer remind one of anything other than one is listening to an old school vinyl record that is skipping and playing the same snippet over and over ad nauseum. Thai politics are controlled by the criminal element as only the criminal element has the cash flow to pay for the votes. Sorry, there are no good guys out there. Meanwhile the business sector finds methods to move its profits offshore where they then can purchase influence over individual criminal politicians. And the financial sector is run by people with little to no connection to the nation-state. But this coalition of despicable people do provide a welcome mat for the ex-pat sex-pats and tourists to visit and exchange their hard currencies for the pretty useless Thai Baat. As long as they don't rock the boat, then the foreigners are welcome.

[sriracha john]

Thailand may try extradition to arrest ex-Deputy Interior Minister

BANGKOK, July 11 (TNA) - Thailand is considering the possibility that a former cabinet minister, avoiding the serving of an arrest warrent, may be hiding out in a Cambodian casino.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) on Friday said that if there is evidence that former Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame is in Cambodia, the court will seek extradition through the Cambodian government.

OAG Spokesman Tanapitch Moonpreuk said Thailand might extradite Vatana to face corruption charges in a Thai court.

Earlier the court issued an arrest warrant for Vatana after he failed to appear to hear a ruling on his alleged involvement in a case of corruption. In his absence the court rescheduled the reading of the verdict to August 18.

If the former minister fails to appear at that time the court will impound his Bt2 million bail and read the verdict in his absence.

It is rumoured and there is reason to believe, that Vatana may have fled across the Thai-Cambodian border in eastern Thailand to seek refuge in a casino in the neighbouring country.

[sriracha john]

Vatana said to be hiding in Poi Pet

Veteran politician Vatana Asavahame, wanted for jumping bail in a corruption case, was found hiding in his casino in Cambodia's Poi Pet border town, police said yesterday. Deputy national police chief Jongrak Juthanont quoted a report from Sa Kaeo police chief Pol Col Itthipol Piriyaphinyo as saying that a cousin of Vatana had crossed the border from the province to see him at the Poi Pet Resort hotel, one of the two casinos in which he holds major stakes in Cambodia. The other is the Grand Diamond hotel. Although the former interior minister's whereabouts are now known, police could not arrest Vatana outside Thai territory, said Jongrak adding the court also has not ruled on the case yet. The court on Wednesday seized Vatana's 2.2-million-baht bail and

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/120708_News/12Jul2008_news03.php

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

http://www.granddiamondcityhotel.com/

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

A generous re-editing of the hotel description found on the booking agent website at:

http://www.passionasia.com/cambodia/poipet...amond-city.html

Overview of Grand Diamond City in Poipet:

Travelers can seek total relaxation at Grand Diamond City Poipet hotel. The hotel staff is eager to help you, particlarly if you are on the lam from the coppers. Poipet is one of popular destinations in Cambodia for wanted criminals. The city has earned good reputation from its famous attractions. Travelers can have a resting stay while they are on holiday or hiding out in Poipet. Reputed as a 4 star hotel in Poipet, Grand Diamond City hotel is an example of a quality accommodation with beautifully decorated guestrooms. Acclaimed for a superior hotel in Poipet, the 4 star hotel Grand Diamond City hotel facilitates well-appointed business functions such as scrambled voiced telephones and encrypted fax services.

Edited July 12, 2008 by sriracha john

[Chang_paarp]

A generous re-editing of the hotel description found on the booking agent website at:

http://www.passionasia.com/cambodia/poipet...amond-city.html

Overview of Grand Diamond City in Poipet:

Travelers can seek total relaxation at Grand Diamond City Poipet hotel. The hotel staff is eager to help you, particlarly if you are on the lam from the coppers. Poipet is one of popular destinations in Cambodia for wanted criminals. The city has earned good reputation from its famous attractions. Travelers can have a resting stay while they are on holiday or hiding out in Poipet. Reputed as a 4 star hotel in Poipet, Grand Diamond City hotel is an example of a quality accommodation with beautifully decorated guestrooms. Acclaimed for a superior hotel in Poipet, the 4 star hotel Grand Diamond City hotel facilitates well-appointed business functions such as scrambled voiced telephones and encrypted fax services.

John, That was very generous write-up you gave it was more informative than the web site.

[Siripon]

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.

I heard that Kamnan Poh had acquired Cambodian citizenship.

Wattana was left facing the rap for Klong Dan alone because the other suspects agreed to dissolve their parties and join TRT, unlike him.

[marshbags]

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.

I heard that Kamnan Poh had acquired Cambodian citizenship.

Wattana was left facing the rap for Klong Dan alone because the other suspects agreed to dissolve their parties and join TRT, unlike him.

The Nation 12-07-08

Vatana flees by boat from Samut Prakan: Jongrak

Deputy Police Commissioner-General Jongrak Juthanon said Vatana Asavahame, chief advisor of the Puea Pandin Party, fled by boat from Samut Prakan to Koh Kong.

He said Vatana was then transported by a car to Grand Diamond Hotel in Cambodia.

Jongrak said Thailand did not have repatriation treaty with Cambodia so he was not certain whether police would be able to arrest Vatana and deliver him to the Supreme Court's Criminal Tribunal for Political Office Holders by August 18.

Unquote

Bangkok Post 12-07-08

Vatana fled to Cambodia, police say

Veteran politician Vatana Asavahame, wanted for jumping bail in a corruption case, was found hiding in his casino in Cambodia's Poi Pet border town, police said yesterday.

Deputy national police chief Jongrak Juthanont quoted a report from Sa Kaeo police chief Pol Col Itthipol Piriyaphinyo as saying that a cousin of Mr Vatana had crossed the border from the province to see him at the Poi Pet Resort hotel, one of the two casinos in which he holds major stakes in Cambodia. The other is the Grand Diamond hotel.

Although the former interior minister's whereabouts are now known, police could not arrest Mr Vatana outside Thai territory, said Pol Gen Jongrak adding the court also has not ruled on the case yet.

Unquote

For the rest of the article.

Ref url :- http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128831

If he had been expecting / been tipped off, Puyai style that is, re a favourable outcome from the court, he,d have made a point of attending.

As it turned out he,s now over the border in Cambodia and as the above articles make a point of saying, he cannot be arrested outside Thai territory.

The tip off will surely have been against him and he fled accordingly, as all their ilk do, when the circumstances demand it.

As someone mentioned before incidently this is where Chalerms son fled to while the situation cooled down.

It also allowed them to get a plan worked out to defend him during his stay there, along with pre arrangements to give him bail once he returned.

Something that sadly, the victim of the scenario, wasn,t afforded ( defend himself ) and hence the need to cross the border.

To keep my comments on topic, i am highlighting the fact that the border crossings are a well known route for those of the chosen few, who are given jail time / expecting it and are then outside Thai jurisdiction and offer other well known examples to back it up.

I,d be very surprised if K.Poh wasn,t there ???????

marshbags

Edited July 12, 2008 by marshbags

[sriracha john]

but he looks like such a kindly and sweet old man...

Vatana can be extradited: Chula law expert

Fugitive Vatana Asavahame can be extradited from Cambodia, even if there's no bilateral agreement, says Chulalongkorn University international law expert Nopnithi Suriya.

"It's as if you're a householder and someone enters your house. Whether you let the person stay or not is up to you," says Nopnithi.

"So Vatana's case is up to the Cambodian government. We must see what it stands to loose or gain."

Veteran Puea Pandin politician and former minister Vatana is believed to have fled to Grand Diamond City Casino in Cambodia's Poi Pet ahead of a court verdict following a trial for graft associated with the Klong Dan wastewater plant.

"In the case of Vatana, we must look into Cambodian law and find out if they have that provision," he says. Thailand's extradition Act of 1929 allows this country to extradite fugitives from here to countries it does not have a treaty with.

He cites Laos as one country with which there is no treaty and yet there is extradition between the two.

- Daily Xpress / 13-07-08

[sriracha john]

Police hunt for ex-deputy interior minister

BANGKOK, July 14 (TNA) - Police General Jongrak Juthanont said Monday he would confer with senior Cambodian officials later this week, on finding ways to repatriate former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame, wanted in Thailand for jumping bail on his alleged involvement in a corruption case.

Jongrak confirmed Vatana was hiding at a casino inside a resort hotel in Poi Pet. Vatana was reportedly the biggest shareholder in the Grand Diamond City Casino.

Police revealed talks would be held this Wednesday at a hotel in the Thai border district of Aranyaprathet , opposite Poi Pet.

Thailand does not, however have an extradition treaty with Cambodia.

Last Wednesday, a Thai court seized Vatana’s 2.2 million baht bail guarantee and issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court to hear a verdict in a corruption case.

[stumonster]

Vatana was reportedly the biggest shareholder in the Grand Diamond City Casino.

shut down thai access to the casinos - I am sure he will be handed over quite quickly

[sriracha john]

Vatana's escape

Above is a diagram from Daily News showing the escape route of politician Vatana Asavahame. Cambodia is a place where money talks and there is no repatriation treaty with Thailand, and thus it is the refuge of choice for high profile Thai fugitives. Previously Duangchalerm Yoobamrung and Chonburi don Kamnan Poh fled to Cambodia to escape court cases.

Vatana (often spelled "Watana" or "Wattana") has held top posts in governments of the past and is part of the Asavahame clan prominent in Samut Prakarn politics.

Once the leader of the Rassadorn Party, his star has fallen in recent years with election losses and continuous court cases over fraud, election irregularities, land encroachment, etc. although at present he is chief advisor of the Puea Pandin Party.

Like Chalerm Yoobamrung, Vatana also has unruly family members--his son Chonsawas was accused of assaulting a police officer at a traffic stop in 2007. His family also once had the dealership for large US-style passenger vans. One can occasionally see one of these with "Watana" on the spare tire holder on the back of the vehicle.

- 2Bangkok.com / July 14, 2008

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

sorry to have missed waving him bon voyage as his boat passed by Sriracha on its way to Cambodia...........

Links to Thaivisa threads on his son's charges (nice pics) and other charges Vatana faces are in Post #23.

Edited July 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[ratcatcher]

Where's this man when we need him?

[plachon]

Like Toxin, I seriously wonder which motherland (peua paendin) Vatana is "for". Is it Thailand, Cambodia or China?

Those lucrative casinos he owns east of the border have clearly set the Tox off on a bid to trump the competition in building the biggest, brashest and boldest casino in the land. He seems to have Hun Sen in the palm of his hand (remember the speed with which Shincorp was compensated following the Phnom Penh riots in 2003?), so one can only hope that the lawlessness with which Cambodia is infamous for will be the pair of these crooks undoing, if they are determined to be fugitives from the Thai justice system. (Watch this space for Toxin going East when the going really gets tough in the courts).

[Rinrada]

Vatana was reportedly the biggest shareholder in the Grand Diamond City Casino.

shut down thai access to the casinos - I am sure he will be handed over quite quickly

....to the ones that he runs on this side of the border in Thailand

but we all know that there aint No Cassis in LOS ...right...

[plachon]

Vatana was reportedly the biggest shareholder in the Grand Diamond City Casino.

shut down thai access to the casinos - I am sure he will be handed over quite quickly

....to the ones that he runs on this side of the border in Thailand

but we all know that there aint No Cassis in LOS ...right...

Plenty of Cassis in Thailand Rin. Bloody luvverly over ice and a dash of vodka. Look down Foodland for supplies.

You been on the Pernod again??

For anyone who ever filled up on MP fuel............you now know where your baht was recycled. A fine stalwart of Thai high society that Vatana geezer. Chai yo!

[Tony Clifton]

Burn the casino.

[sriracha john]

Office of the Attorney General (OAG) urged to go after Vatana

It is the responsibility of the OAG to see to it that veteran politician Vatana Asavahame, who is reportedly on the run in Cambodia, is brought back for trial, Permanent Secretary for Justice Kittipong Kittiyarak said yesterday. Kittipong said only after the verdict in the politician's case is handed down can the police work with the OAG to bring him to justice. The court on July 9 seized Vatana's 2.2-million-baht bail and issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to turn up to hear the verdict. The reading of the verdict was rescheduled for Aug 18. He was last seen in Cambodia, where he runs two casinos in the Cambodian border town of Poi Pet. In the absence of an extradition treaty, all the OAG can do is make a request for Vatana's extradition to the Cambodian authorities, said Kittipong. Police, led by Maj-Gen Sok Pheap, will today meet with Cambodian officials in Aranyaprathet and seek confirmation whether the Chief Adviser of the Puea Pandin Party is hiding across the border. Pol Gen Jongrak conceded the chances of bringing him back would be slim if he is really in the neighboring country, citing the veteran politician's strong business ties in Cambodia. "The man is confident of his close ties with Cambodia and that's why he has gone into hiding there. He built a few casinos, each worth well over 700 million baht," the police general said. "If Vatana is found guilty of corruption, he must stay on the run for 20 years, until the statute of limitation in the case expires, to avoid arrest. Only then can he come back to Thailand, and by then he'll be almost 100 years old," he said. Vatana, 72, was accused of conspiring in the issuing of illegal title deeds for

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/160708_News/16Jul2008_news19.php

[sriracha john]

Jongrak seeks Vatana return on Klong Dan case

Deputy National Police Chief Jongrak Juthanont said he will talk with counterparts in Cambodia on Wednesday on how to bring back veteran politician Vatana Asavahame for trial involving Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant. The talk will be held at Indo-China hotel in Sa Kaeo province, Thailand. Vatana was last seen in Cambodia, where he runs two casinos in the Cambodian border town of Poi Pet, opposite Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo. The court on July 9 seized Vatana's 2.2-million-baht bail and issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to turn up to hear the verdict. The reading of the verdict was rescheduled for Aug 18. Police General Jongrak said Vatana would be brought to Thailand before Aug

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128890

[sriracha john]

Cambodia: no sign of former Thai minister in Cambodia

SA KAEO, July 16 (TNA) -- Senior Cambodian officials said Wednesday that escaped Thailand's former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame has not been seen in Cambodia, according to Thailand's deputy national police chief Pol. Gen. Jongrak Juthanont.

Gen. Jongrak early Wednesday met with ranking Cambodian authorities at a hotel in Thailand's border district of Aranyaprathet and requested them to help repatriate Vatana who had jumped bail.

Last Wednesday, a Thai court seized Vatana's Bt2.2 million bail guarantee and issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court to hear the verdict in a corruption case.

Gen. Jongrak earlier this week said that Vatana was hiding at a casino inside a resort hotel in the Cambodian border town of Poi Pet, opposite Aranyaprathet. Vatana is reportedly the biggest shareholder in the Grand Diamond City Casino.

At the meeting, Cambodian officials had asked Thailand to send the court verdict but Gen. Jongrak said he had told them it was impossible because the court had not yet passed its verdict against Vatana, accused of massive corruption in a wastewater treatment project in Bangkok's neighbouring province of Samut Prakan.

He said Cambodian officials had promised him they would charge Vatana of illegally entering Cambodia if they found the former deputy interior minister, and send him back to Thailand.

[marshbags]

Cambodia: no sign of former Thai minister in Cambodia

SA KAEO, July 16 (TNA) -- Senior Cambodian officials said Wednesday that escaped Thailand's former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame has not been seen in Cambodia, according to Thailand's deputy national police chief Pol. Gen. Jongrak Juthanont.

Gen. Jongrak early Wednesday met with ranking Cambodian authorities at a hotel in Thailand's border district of Aranyaprathet and requested them to help repatriate Vatana who had jumped bail.

Last Wednesday, a Thai court seized Vatana's Bt2.2 million bail guarantee and issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court to hear the verdict in a corruption case.

Gen. Jongrak earlier this week said that Vatana was hiding at a casino inside a resort hotel in the Cambodian border town of Poi Pet, opposite Aranyaprathet. Vatana is reportedly the biggest shareholder in the Grand Diamond City Casino.

At the meeting, Cambodian officials had asked Thailand to send the court verdict but Gen. Jongrak said he had told them it was impossible because the court had not yet passed its verdict against Vatana, accused of massive corruption in a wastewater treatment project in Bangkok's neighbouring province of Samut Prakan.

He said Cambodian officials had promised him they would charge Vatana of illegally entering Cambodia if they found the former deputy interior minister, and send him back to Thailand.

and

[Tony Clifton]

"...cockaroaches!"

-Tony Montana

[sriracha john]

Fate of troubled Klong Dan plant still undecided

The future of the 23-Billion-Baht Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant still hangs in the balance, five years after construction stopped with it 98-per-cent complete.

While authorities and engineers want to complete the plant, local residents and activists oppose such a move.

"There has been no conclusion made so far. We are trying our best to seek a proper solution for this project," Supat Wangwongwattana, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department (PCD) told The Nation this week.

Supat referred to progress of the ad-hoc committee chaired by Phuttisak Namdej, an inspector in the PM's Office, seeking a solution for the project. Three subcommittees were set up recently to oversee legal, social and technical aspects.

"We had to realize that this project is already 98-per-cent completed and most of the 23-Billion-Baht budget has been spent. The question today is how to deal with it despite the court process over corruption linked to it," Supat said.

"Pollution in the area is critical and the treatment facilities are almost completed. The PCD has no duty to make a decision even though we know it would be good and technically possible to continue construction and make the facility beneficial to the public. Our only role is providing information for the committee to make a proper decision," he said.

"There is no time frame for the committee's work but we will try to finalize it as soon as possible."

Engineer and senior pollution expert Thongchai Phansawat suggested finishing construction, while taking the best care of local concerns. "We cannot refuse to drive our new car just because the car salesman defrauded us. The corruption cases must continue and let it be up to the court to rule on those," he said.

"All local concerns must be responded to properly. Technically, it is possible to improve the project's plant to operate without bad smells, with less water drained into the sea using a recycling process, as well as building a longer drain pipe far out from the coast where local fishermen do not fish," Thongchai said.

Local resident Chalao Thimthong, however, said such thinking was irrelevant for the controversial case. "We cannot think of only the money aspects. It is wrong to say that 23 Billion Baht has already been invested so the construction should go on. This project has been a mistake from day one - the site-selection process, then the corruption, technical and legal matters - so we should not repeat the same mistakes by continuing it," Chalao said.

Activist Phenchome Tang said part of the facility already built had been badly damaged due to land at the site subsiding, as a result of graft during the construction process. "That means we need to put even more money into this flawed project.

"We'd prefer to leave the facility as a visible monument to Thailand's corruption while turning part of it into a local aquaculture centre for public education and to supply of aquatic animals to local fishermen," she said.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Vatana Asavahame

Don't count me out yet

Vatana in hiding ahead of court verdict, but still pulling strings

Vatana Asavahame has disappeared from the public eye as the Supreme Court prepares to announce its verdict in a trial where he is implicated in alleged corruption in the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project. But being out of sight does not mean he is no longer influential. In fact, there are signs that the veteran politician is still pulling political strings "from the dark." The verdict will be delivered by the Supreme Court on Aug 18. It will be a moment of truth for the former Deputy Interior Minister whose political career spans more than 30 years. In his absence, the Supreme Court has issued a warrant for his arrest. Police went to Vatana's residence in Suan Luang district before being tipped off that he might be found in a casino on the Cambodian side of the border. Another group of police also went after him to an area near the Golden Triangle in the North. Vatana appeared in Poipet, opposite Sa Kaeo province, as he allegedly owns two large casinos there. But some sources said he was hiding in a Golden Triangle casino owned by a close political friend. Police said that even if they found him there, they could not simply drag him across the border back to Thailand as Thailand has no extradition pact with those countries. "For many nights, Vatana joined parties with Cambodian leaders to celebrate their recent election victory. Other times, he was seen side by side with Cambodian leaders at the Venetian Resort in Macau," said a source. Though "missing" in Thailand, Vatana can still wield influence from afar. He gave advice to the government on who should get what posts in the recent Cabinet reshuffle. He acknowledged the decision by Suvit Khunkitti to withdraw from the Puea Pandin party, part of the coalition government. Vatana is widely known as the financier of Puea Pandin. In the end, he was able to lobby for the seats of ICT Minister, and Deputy PM for his close aide, Mun Patthanothai. The Klong Dan case is not over yet - the court will hear from nine more witnesses before announcing its verdict. Witnesses include Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silpa-archa, Pracharaj Party Leader Sanoh Thienthong, former Deputy PM Visanu Kruengam and former Interior Permanent Secretary Anant Anantakul. Vatana has many political allies to help him in times of trouble. If he survives the trial, he may

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/070808_News/07Aug2008_news026.php

Edited August 7, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Vatana case verdict today

At 2pm today, the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders is scheduled to deliver a verdict in the case against Puea Pandin Party Chairman Vatana Asavahame, who has been accused of abuse of power. Vatana allegedly illegally instructed government officers to issue documents for public land used for the Klong Dan wastewater project.

Vatana has reportedly escaped to Cambodia.

- The Nation / 18 Aug. 2008

[sriracha john]

Vatana not expected to be in court to hear verdict

Former Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame is unlikely to show up when the court reads out the verdict in the Klong Dan case in his absence today. The veteran politician from Samut Prakan failed to appear on July 9 to hear the verdict from the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions in the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project corruption case. A warrant was issued for his arrest. Deputy National Police Chief Jongrak Juthanont doubted he would turn up to hear the court's verdict today. "I believe Vatana is not coming to court and is on the run. If he plans to hear the ruling, he should have contacted police," Jongrak said. Intelligence confirmed he had gone into hiding in Cambodia where he owns a hotel and casino. Jongrak said he was waiting for today's judgement before asking Cambodia to extradite the runaway politician. Cambodia earlier denied a request from Thai police to extradite Vatana, saying he had neither been convicted nor escaped any sentence. Vatana, 72, is accused of conspiring to issue illegal title deeds for 1,900 rai of land in Samut Prakan's Bang Bo district, which was later sold at an inflated price to the Pollution Control Department for the construction of the Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant, when he was the deputy interior minister. If found guilty he is liable to a jail term of five to 20 years, or life imprisonment, and a fine ranging from 2,000 to 40,000 baht, or the death

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/180808_News/18Aug2008_news09.php

[sriracha john]

The Nation / August 18, 2008:

Fugitive Vatana gets 10-year imprisonment

Former Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame was yesterday sentenced to ten-year imprisonment by the Supreme Court for corruption in the Klong Dan wasted water treatement.

The tribunal of nine judges of the Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions voted 8 to 1 to convict Vatana and jail him for ten years.

Vatana was sentenced in absentia as he has fled reportedly to Koh Kong, Cambodia.

Court sentences Vatana 12 years' imprisonment

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, by an eight-to-one vote on Monday, sentenced chief advisor to the Puea Pandin party and former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame to 12 years’ imprisonment without parole after finding him guilty in the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project corruption case

Please go to url :

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=129743

Edited August 18, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Vatana Asavahame [on the left before he left Thailand]

Former Deputy Interior Minister Sentenced to 10 Years Imprisonment

Supreme Court's Division for Political Office Holders has sentenced former Deputy Interior Minister Vattana Asavahame to 10 years imprisonment.

The court found him guilty of abusing his 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.

- Thailand Outlook / 18 August 2008

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

Vattana sentenced to 10 years in jail

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced former Deputy Interior Minister and [current] Chairman of the Puea Pandin Party, Vattana Asavahame, to ten years in prison in the Khlong Dan corruption case.

According to the court’s verdict, Vattana is guilty of using his power or motivating other people to issue a land title deeds for 1,900 rai of land which overlapped a public canal and a restricted garbage dump. The land plot was sold to the Pollution Control Department for the construction of a wastewater treatment pond in Tambon Khlong Dan, Bang Bo district, Samut Prakan province.

Prior to the court’s ruling, Vattana had failed to travel to the court to listen to the verdict. The court therefore issued an arrest warrant against Vattana and fined him 2.2 million baht.

- ThaiNews / 18-08-08

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

Regarding the disparity in the 4 previous articles above and by a score of 3 to 1 in the Media Olympics, it looks like the 10 year sentence is the accurate one.

Edited August 18, 2008 by sriracha john

[Thai at Heart]

Vatana Asavahame [on the left before he left Thailand]

Former Deputy Interior Minister Sentenced to 10 Years Imprisonment

Supreme Court's Division for Political Office Holders has sentenced former Deputy Interior Minister Vattana Asavahame to 10 years imprisonment.

The court found him guilty of abusing his 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.

- Thailand Outlook / 18 August 2008

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Vattana sentenced to 10 years in jail

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced former Deputy Interior Minister and [current] Chairman of the Puea Pandin Party, Vattana Asavahame, to ten years in prison in the Khlong Dan corruption case.

According to the court’s verdict, Vattana is guilty of using his power or motivating other people to issue a land title deeds for 1,900 rai of land which overlapped a public canal and a restricted garbage dump. The land plot was sold to the Pollution Control Department for the construction of a wastewater treatment pond in Tambon Khlong Dan, Bang Bo district, Samut Prakan province.

Prior to the court’s ruling, Vattana had failed to travel to the court to listen to the verdict. The court therefore issued an arrest warrant against Vattana and fined him 2.2 million baht.

- ThaiNews / 18-08-08

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Regarding the disparity in the 4 previous articles above and by a score of 3 to 1 in the Media Olympics, it looks like the 10 year sentence is the accurate one.

This guy getting 10 years shows that the courts actually have some teeth. First Taxin, now this guy, hmmm, maybe a few of the current slime balls will slink off under a rock never to be seen again.

[marshbags]

Vatana Asavahame [on the left before he left Thailand]

Former Deputy Interior Minister Sentenced to 10 Years Imprisonment

Supreme Court's Division for Political Office Holders has sentenced former Deputy Interior Minister Vattana Asavahame to 10 years imprisonment.

The court found him guilty of abusing his 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.

- Thailand Outlook / 18 August 2008

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

Vattana sentenced to 10 years in jail

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced former Deputy Interior Minister and [current] Chairman of the Puea Pandin Party, Vattana Asavahame, to ten years in prison in the Khlong Dan corruption case.

According to the court’s verdict, Vattana is guilty of using his power or motivating other people to issue a land title deeds for 1,900 rai of land which overlapped a public canal and a restricted garbage dump. The land plot was sold to the Pollution Control Department for the construction of a wastewater treatment pond in Tambon Khlong Dan, Bang Bo district, Samut Prakan province.

Prior to the court’s ruling, Vattana had failed to travel to the court to listen to the verdict. The court therefore issued an arrest warrant against Vattana and fined him 2.2 million baht.

While this low life convicted criminal is on the run to escape what must have been a forseen sentencing / outcome, surely there must be funds still here in Thailand that can be frozen and possibly legally confiscated via warrant regarding the fine and any monetary advantages ect. he acquired via his mis use of power.

- ThaiNews / 18-08-08

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Regarding the disparity in the 4 previous articles above and by a score of 3 to 1 in the Media Olympics, it looks like the 10 year sentence is the accurate one.

We want Newin in the court ! We want Newin in the court ! We want Newin in the court !

Sorry, I got carried away for a second, but just to show it isn,t a rant...............................................

This is one slimey, evil Bastard and no mistake.

marshbags

Edited August 19, 2008 by marshbags