Cops who killed Akeyuth caught on CCTV: lawyer

[webfact]

Cops who killed Akeyuth caught on CCTV: lawyer
Thanapat Kitjakosol
The Nation


Akeyuth

MP wants case to be reopened, but 'hard disk with film of 4 police missing'

BANGKOK: -- A lawyer for the family of slain billionaire Akeyuth Anchanbutr says a missing hard disk of surveillance camera footage has crucial images of four senior police suspected of kidnapping and killing him.

The controversial businessman was an arch-critic of the Yingluck Shinawatra government.

Suwat Apaipak said the seizure of power last month by the military had spurred former Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong to seek to have the murder case reopened through junta-appointed acting national police chief General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit.

Because of this, Santipharb Phengduang, Akeyuth's former driver and suspect in the murder case, was now under protection in prison, Suwat said.

The lawyer said he knew who the four officers were, but since he did not have the hard disk he could be hit with defamation lawsuits if he named them.

"They are seeking to file defamation lawsuits against me - these four officers who hold the rank of police colonel and police lieutenant colonel," he said.

There has been speculation in the media about the case being reopened under the military rule.

Under criminal law procedure, no case can be reopened without new evidence surfacing, and it has to be initiated by police.

Suwat said the vehicle that carried Akeyuth's body after he was "accidentally killed" while being tortured could not have travelled in the wrong lane in a 10-hour journey to Phatthalung as it did without being led by a police cruiser. The body was taken to Phatthalung, the home province of Santipharb's father, the lawyer said.

Suwat repeated his theory on why Akeyuth was kidnapped from his home - he was meant to be taught a lesson for threatening to "rat on" a person, but the kidnappers "handled the victim a little too heavily".

Akeyuth became rich running a pyramid scheme two decades ago, and stayed in self-imposed exile until the statute of limitations in the case against him ran out.

He was a critic of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his ex-premier sister Yingluck.

He coined a notorious term, "the Secret Mission at Four Seasons Hotel", which refers to a person whom he threatened to name publicly not long before he went missing on June 6 last year.

Former deputy prime minister Chalerm Yoobamrung announced his death five days later amid confusion over the arrest of Akeyuth's driver and suspicion about his alleged confession.

Suwat said the possibility of the murder case being reopened remained slim without the hard disk or other new evidence.

Santipharb's murder trial will commence on October 21. He has confessed to the crime and is the only witness in the killing, but there is interest as to whether he will change his guilty plea.


-- The Nation 2014-06-16

[siampolee]

The delicate effluvia of police corruption and deceit emanating from this case is indeed a positive indicator of where the loyalty of the police farce force was and no doubt still is .

The sooner the whole command structure is sanitized the better for us all.

Thaksin's personal Brown Uniforms corpse makers corps

''Do as I say not as I do'' is the motto.

[NongKhaiKid]

The hard disk is supposed to be missing and we can be sure it will stay that way unless somebody has kept it for some sort of 3rd party insurance and ever feels it necessary to produce it.

[rametindallas]

A perfect of, 'who watched the watchers'? When the police are in charge of the investigation and they are the guilty, there is not much chance for justice in the Land of Smiles. One must, as do most Thais I know, trust Karma.

[coma]

Why doesn't Santipharb Phengduang man up and finger the four ? And provide corroborating evidence so these grubs go down big time.

[Piichai]

Why doesn't Santipharb Phengduang man up and finger the four ? And provide corroborating evidence so these grubs go down big time.

Maybe he fears he'll end up like Akeyuth.

Not surprising given the ruthless way the Thaksin regime dealt with those who spoke up.

[ClutchClark]

This article did not make clear whether the hard disk was ever witnessed by anyone and/or used as evidence in the first trial.

Or if its just the figment of the defense attorney's imagination-- the disappearance of a hard disc no one has ever seen.

As for no vehicle being able to drive in the wrong lane for so long without a police escort, perhaps someone familiar with the case could shed light on this because it seems like drivers can pretty much do whatever they like on the roadways without the need for a police escort.

The victim ran a successful pyramid scheme and then left the country until the Statute of Limitations ran out? Why would the crooked Thaksin be upset by that? Surely not on moral grounds ;-)

Some of his pals must have been part of those duped.

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

The hard disk is supposed to be missing and we can be sure it will stay that way unless somebody has kept it for some sort of 3rd party insurance and ever feels it necessary to produce it.

The lawyer quoted that these police officers were threatening legal action , their goose would be cooked, doing that, then everyone will know who they are.

[snottgoblin]

Didnt Chalerm solve this case?

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[djjamie]

The only time you hear the name Chalerm post coup is when Akeyuth's names is involved. This is the third time since the 22nd of May there has been an article on Akeyuth while Chalerm is still in custody by the Junta.

Of course there is more holes in this case than swiss cheese. The policeman that oversaw the Akeyuth case was also acquitted of the disappearance of Somchai Neelapaijit in 2004 under thaksin. Chalerm addressed the media and told them the quint story of robbery by the driver before there was even any evidence to suggest it. The list goes on longer than a Shinawatra charge sheet, but they got the desired result. No new evidence to report the case and Akeyuth can not name names in the Four Seasons meeting and is silenced on the yingluck "Maldives holiday" at tax payers expense.

It was not the first critic of the Shinawatra's that was silenced, but thanks to the junta hopefully it will be the last.

Where are you Chalerm?

[coma]

Why doesn't Santipharb Phengduang man up and finger the four ? And provide corroborating evidence so these grubs go down big time.

Maybe he fears he'll end up like Akeyuth.

Not surprising given the ruthless way the Thaksin regime dealt with those who spoke up.

I am sure he is fearing just that. But he needs to man up and take his chances. I am sure if he provides the smoking gun he will be cut loose. And there would be people [anti Thaksin ] around, including the military, that would be prepared to provide the security he needs in return.

[Piichai]

This article did not make clear whether the hard disk was ever witnessed by anyone and/or used as evidence in the first trial.

Or if its just the figment of the defense attorney's imagination-- the disappearance of a hard disc no one has ever seen.

Every CCTV system I've bought in Thailand came with its own PC recording unit and disk drives. Wouldn't buy one any other way.

And having the police out a couple times to sort some problems, I can tell you they're well aware of how CCTV systems work.

[gemini81]

We suspected foul play and knew it was something like this. Thanks to the mouth of the drunkard Chalerm. He'll get his.

Good to see the army out there trying to clear things up and get the system under better control before October. Boy oh boy do they have their work cut out for them.

Edited June 16, 2014 by gemini81

[Cuchulainn]

Didnt Chalerm solve this case?

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

He didn't, but maybe his son did!!

[Chao Lao Beach]

Didnt Chalerm solve this case?

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Mr Chalerm seems to be very quiet now, is he even in Thailand anymore ?

Did he get arrested, what happened ?

[ianf]

The only time you hear the name Chalerm post coup is when Akeyuth's names is involved. This is the third time since the 22nd of May there has been an article on Akeyuth while Chalerm is still in custody by the Junta.

Of course there is more holes in this case than swiss cheese. The policeman that oversaw the Akeyuth case was also acquitted of the disappearance of Somchai Neelapaijit in 2004 under thaksin. Chalerm addressed the media and told them the quint story of robbery by the driver before there was even any evidence to suggest it. The list goes on longer than a Shinawatra charge sheet, but they got the desired result. No new evidence to report the case and Akeyuth can not name names in the Four Seasons meeting and is silenced on the yingluck "Maldives holiday" at tax payers expense.

It was not the first critic of the Shinawatra's that was silenced, but thanks to the junta hopefully it will be the last.

Where are you Chalerm?

According to Amnesty International there are 18, yes eighteen cases, of Thaksin's political opponents being assassinated or having disappeared.

[Cuchulainn]

The only time you hear the name Chalerm post coup is when Akeyuth's names is involved. This is the third time since the 22nd of May there has been an article on Akeyuth while Chalerm is still in custody by the Junta.

Of course there is more holes in this case than swiss cheese. The policeman that oversaw the Akeyuth case was also acquitted of the disappearance of Somchai Neelapaijit in 2004 under thaksin. Chalerm addressed the media and told them the quint story of robbery by the driver before there was even any evidence to suggest it. The list goes on longer than a Shinawatra charge sheet, but they got the desired result. No new evidence to report the case and Akeyuth can not name names in the Four Seasons meeting and is silenced on the yingluck "Maldives holiday" at tax payers expense.

It was not the first critic of the Shinawatra's that was silenced, but thanks to the junta hopefully it will be the last.

Where are you Chalerm?

According to Amnesty International there are 18, yes eighteen cases, of Thaksin's political opponents being assassinated or having disappeared.

Ah ha!! There's the democracy all the braying reds have been banging on about!!

[IamNoone88]

A missing hard drive with CCTV? People keeping silent? Driving for 10 hours in the wrong lane? What happened to harder crime scene evidence - it is impossible for any-one to walk into a room and leave some evidence of their own DNA behind and that is fact. Perhaps its time to re-visit the DNA trail,

[jaidam]

The only time you hear the name Chalerm post coup is when Akeyuth's names is involved. This is the third time since the 22nd of May there has been an article on Akeyuth while Chalerm is still in custody by the Junta.

Of course there is more holes in this case than swiss cheese. The policeman that oversaw the Akeyuth case was also acquitted of the disappearance of Somchai Neelapaijit in 2004 under thaksin. Chalerm addressed the media and told them the quint story of robbery by the driver before there was even any evidence to suggest it. The list goes on longer than a Shinawatra charge sheet, but they got the desired result. No new evidence to report the case and Akeyuth can not name names in the Four Seasons meeting and is silenced on the yingluck "Maldives holiday" at tax payers expense.

It was not the first critic of the Shinawatra's that was silenced, but thanks to the junta hopefully it will be the last.

Where are you Chalerm?

According to Amnesty International there are 18, yes eighteen cases, of Thaksin's political opponents being assassinated or having disappeared.

It's a measure of Thaksin's bell-ringing arrogance that he didn't even care that some of the victims were high profile people with the media spotlight on them for exactly the reason that they would be assassinated for crossing Thaksin. I'm thinking here about shipping moo, everybody was watching what would happen when he testified against Thaksin. But, of course he was murdered before he had the chance. What a massive surprise.

[Piichai]

Why doesn't Santipharb Phengduang man up and finger the four ? And provide corroborating evidence so these grubs go down big time.

Maybe he fears he'll end up like Akeyuth.

Not surprising given the ruthless way the Thaksin regime dealt with those who spoke up.

I am sure he is fearing just that. But he needs to man up and take his chances. I am sure if he provides the smoking gun he will be cut loose. And there would be people [anti Thaksin ] around, including the military, that would be prepared to provide the security he needs in return.

Turning 'state's evidence' is a life long commitment for all involved. Maybe witness protection is another issue Prayuth can take a look at, as it would be great to encourage more whistle-blowers.

[Eric Loh]

Hundreds lost their life saving because of his pyaramid scheme. Skip the country when convicted for corruption. He has many business and personal enemies. Too insignificant for any political assination. Case close.

[ClutchClark]

This article did not make clear whether the hard disk was ever witnessed by anyone and/or used as evidence in the first trial.

Or if its just the figment of the defense attorney's imagination-- the disappearance of a hard disc no one has ever seen.

Every CCTV system I've bought in Thailand came with its own PC recording unit and disk drives. Wouldn't buy one any other way.

And having the police out a couple times to sort some problems, I can tell you they're well aware of how CCTV systems work.

I appreciate the insight. So this hard disc and its contents were presented as evidence in the original trial then?

[kamahele]

Doesn't anyone in Thailand make a back up copy? Only one disc??

[Docno]

This case needs to be sorted out and the real perpetrators caught, tried fairly, and punished. That said, this Akeyuth is a real anal sphincter of the highest order and shouldn't be made into some sort of martyr in the unending quest to destroy the Shin clan. He made his wealth from a pyramid scheme that collapsed (as they do) and so would have hurt many people (those at the base of the pyramid). He evaded justice for 20 years, and after the statute of limitations had passed, returned to Thailand to engage in a hyper-ironic campaign against Thaksin and kin (black pots and kettles all 'round). He even went so far as to suggest northern Thai women are fit to be nothing but prostitutes. A lovely character indeed...

[hidavey]

Please dear God, get these corrupt cops. Who was paid to do this, you better start packing YL!

[ianf]

This case needs to be sorted out and the real perpetrators caught, tried fairly, and punished. That said, this Akeyuth is a real anal sphincter of the highest order and shouldn't be made into some sort of martyr in the unending quest to destroy the Shin clan. He made his wealth from a pyramid scheme that collapsed (as they do) and so would have hurt many people (those at the base of the pyramid). He evaded justice for 20 years, and after the statute of limitations had passed, returned to Thailand to engage in a hyper-ironic campaign against Thaksin and kin (black pots and kettles all 'round). He even went so far as to suggest northern Thai women are fit to be nothing but prostitutes. A lovely character indeed...

This is true. But murder is murder, whoever you murder. And when (it is alleged) the police are involved then that makes the concept of law and order null and void. This includes Thaksin who should have been indicted for the atrocities he perpertrated: 2500+ so called drug dealers murdered in a spree of extra-judicial killings (except some of these people were not dealers and some may have been personal or political opponents). I think Akeyuth is no different from many people here who make money on the backs of hardworking folk in this lawless land.

[chooka]

Doesn't anyone in Thailand make a back up copy? Only one disc??

In Australia if discs are evidence then there are at least 3 copies, the defence has a copy, the person in charge of the investigation and the master is filed and kept in a lock safe and must be signed in and out. Additional copies if required can only be made from the master copy and any movement of this copy, a statement of continuity is required.

[djjamie]

The only time you hear the name Chalerm post coup is when Akeyuth's names is involved. This is the third time since the 22nd of May there has been an article on Akeyuth while Chalerm is still in custody by the Junta.

Of course there is more holes in this case than swiss cheese. The policeman that oversaw the Akeyuth case was also acquitted of the disappearance of Somchai Neelapaijit in 2004 under thaksin. Chalerm addressed the media and told them the quint story of robbery by the driver before there was even any evidence to suggest it. The list goes on longer than a Shinawatra charge sheet, but they got the desired result. No new evidence to report the case and Akeyuth can not name names in the Four Seasons meeting and is silenced on the yingluck "Maldives holiday" at tax payers expense.

It was not the first critic of the Shinawatra's that was silenced, but thanks to the junta hopefully it will be the last.

Where are you Chalerm?

According to Amnesty International there are 18, yes eighteen cases, of Thaksin's political opponents being assassinated or having disappeared.

It's a measure of Thaksin's bell-ringing arrogance that he didn't even care that some of the victims were high profile people with the media spotlight on them for exactly the reason that they would be assassinated for crossing Thaksin. I'm thinking here about shipping moo, everybody was watching what would happen when he testified against Thaksin. But, of course he was murdered before he had the chance. What a massive surprise.

Nataphol Teepsuwan and his wife live in Bangkok.

Previous to February, 2014 they did not have a single grenade or a pipe bomb thrown into their residence. When they woke up in the morning they heard the whistle of the birds. What did they do when they heard that whistle? Probably smiled and got on with their day.

After Nataphol and his wife blew a whistle at thaksin's ex wife in Siam Paragon there was a grenade and pipe bomb thrown into their residence. Blowing a whistle was their biggest crime.

Not one word from the government, the Shinawatra's, the red shirts or the UDD leadership denouncing the attacks. The only words came from the government and it was to deny involvement. Could not even bother to denounce it. Not even say "we do not tolerate crime in Thailand".

If I saw a Shinawatra walking down the road during Songkan I would be shacking in my thongs with my super soaker pointing the other way lest my "taxi driver" rob and murder me as well.

[razer]

Hats off to the Army. Karma has arrived. The long term effects of cleaning the sewer will benefit Thailand long term. Now, if the Army can upgrade the schools quality of education and if the schools will teach children what is the morally right things to do, the culture of corruption and scams will change in one generation.

[HUAHIN62]

This article did not make clear whether the hard disk was ever witnessed by anyone and/or used as evidence in the first trial.

Or if its just the figment of the defense attorney's imagination-- the disappearance of a hard disc no one has ever seen.

Every CCTV system I've bought in Thailand came with its own PC recording unit and disk drives. Wouldn't buy one any other way.

And having the police out a couple times to sort some problems, I can tell you they're well aware of how CCTV systems work.

I appreciate the insight. So this hard disc and its contents were presented as evidence in the original trial then?

No it was never found and that makes this whole issue a case of rumor mongering. Unless the MP was at the scene of the crime at the time of the crime he can't know what was caught on the CCTV system. There was no reason for TS to get rid of him, this guy made many enemies with his scams and his death will be related to this. Yes maybe the police was involved, but that doesn't mean the previous government was involved.