Former Thai councillor gets life for slaying of landfill protest leader

[webfact]

Former councillor gets life for slaying of landfill protest leader
The Nation

THE SUPREME COURT yesterday meted out a life sentence to a former councillor of the Tambon Racha-thewa Administrative Organisation for the slaying of a man who led protests against the Rachathewa landfill in Samut Prakan province.

Somyut Phumpakdee was found guilty of taking out a contract on Suwat Wongpitasathit, who was shot dead in 2001.

Lower courts issued a death sentence to Somyut, and life imprisonment to three of his accomplices. But Somyut appealed against those verdicts.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court decided to commute Somyut's sentence to just life imprisonment on the grounds that he confessed to the crime during the interrogation process and his statement proved useful to the prosecution.

He did not show any emotion when the court read out its verdict yesterday.

Suwat's widow, sons, and other relatives were present during the verdict-reading session.

"I respect the law," the victim's widow Thiranuch Wanapho said after hearing the final ruling.

She said that although Somyut had neither shown repentance nor offered an apology, she was not vengeful.

"He has been behind bars for more than 10 years already. He's paying for the wrong he has done," she said.

The families of both Suwat and Somyut continue to live in tambon Rachathewa, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan.


-- The Nation 2014-06-19

[siampolee]

She said that although Somyut had neither shown repentance nor offered an apology, she was not vengeful.

"He has been behind bars for more than 10 years already. He's paying for the wrong he has done," she said.

Although slow in process in this case it would seem as if some measure of justice has been achieved with little or no angst from the victims widow and children and either.

[thumper101]

Well done.... We won't be hearing from him any more.

He obviously doesn't have the same sort of money as Chalerm or many other 'rich' socialite families from Bangkok.

[GeorgeO]

Well done.... We won't be hearing from him any more.

He obviously doesn't have the same sort of money as Chalerm or many other 'rich' socialite families from Bangkok.

I don't think the vast fortunes of Chalerm and many of his associates are going to cut it when there cases eventually come up; indeed, i think they will find that huge chunks of said fortunes will be drawn back into the public coffers, where they belong...!!

[clockman]

Why does it take so long for justice in Thailand?

[siampolee]

clockman post # 5

Why does it take so long for justice in Thailand?

That time lag is not peculiar to just Thailand I assure you.

Many other countries have somewhat slow judicial system whose pace is often put in the shade by a horde of stampeding snails.

[MaxLee]

Why does it take so long for justice in Thailand?

saving face >>>> bitter truth

[boomerangutang]

Here is a list, culled from the Nation newspaper several years ago,

Of environmental protesters killed or injured by biz interests in Thailand:

1. Jurin Ratchapol: Killed January 30, 2001 because he took action against encroachments into a mangrove forest by influential people in Phuket.

2. Suwat Wongpiyasathit, leader of Rajathewa community: March 28, 2001: Was murdered after campaigning against a garbage disposal project that produced foul smells and water pollution. She was shot dead a day before she was due to speak to a Senate committee on the environment.

3. Narin Bhothidaeng, former chairman of Khao Cha Ang Klang Tung conservation group in Rayong. Killed on May 1, 2001 because he led villagers to protest a rock grinding plant run by a national politician.

4. Pitak Tonewut, former president of the Nature and Environment Conservation Student Club at Ramkhamhaeng University: Killed on May 17, 2001 because he led villagers to oppose the building of a stone mill that encroached on a forest conservation area in Nakhon Sawan province.

5. Chaweewan Peeksungneon, Nakhon Ratchsimas Naklang Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO): Killed June 21, 2001 for obstructed the bidding for construction projects by the TAO which favored local wealthy and influential people.

6. Somporn Chanapol, leader of Kradae river basin conservation group in Surat Thani: Killed July 2001 for protested a dam construction project that obstructed the Kradae river.

7. Kaew Pinpanma: killed in April 2002 over a land dispute in Lamphun province.

8. Boonsom Nimnoi: killed in September 2, 2002 because he protested the construction of a chemical factory in Petchaburis Baan Leam district.

9. Preecha Thongpan: September 27, 2002: Was shot dead after campaigning against a wastewater treatment project in Nakhon Sri Thammarats Tung Song district.

10. Boonrit Charnnarong: Killed December 15, 2002 because he protested against illegal logging by forestry officials in Surat Thanis Tha Chana district.

11. Boonyong Intawong: Killed in December 20, 2002 because he protested against a rock grinding plant run by a local influential figure in Chiang Rais Wiengchai district.

12. Khampan Suksai, deputy chairman of the Ping River Basin Conservation Group: February 1, 2003: Killed when he tried to prevent an important person from encroaching into community forests.

13. Chuan Chamnarnkit: Killed February 4, 2003 because he campaigned against drug use in Nakhon Ratchasima.

14. Samnao Srisongkram, chairman of Pong river conservation club:

Killed May 25, 2003 because he protested against a paper mill.

15. Somchai Neelapaijit, human rights lawyer: Last seen on March 12, 2004: Kidnapped and killed by government agents because he was the defense attorney for five Muslim militants suspected of involvement in the January raid on an Army base. He also was defense attorney for three suspected Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists, and was involved in cases against a proposed gas pipeline in the South.

16. Chareon Wataksorn: Killed June 21, 2004: Led successful campaign against building of power plant at Bo Nok. Filed petition with interior minister and National Counter Corruption Commission accusing wealthy people of bribing local administrative organization officials to agree to sale of a 53rai plot of land. In 2001, he had received an honorary doctorate degree.

17. Luechai Yarangsi, president of an environmental group in Lampang, was shot but survived.

18. Boonsom Nimnoi, a community leader opposing a Phetchaburi plantation, was killed in September 2002.

[robertthebruce]

I have never known a race like,the Thais, life is,so cheap, they kill people and don't blink an eye lid, they just carry on as though nothing had happened. Mist people could not live with themselves, but Thais seem to.... ???

[leesgems]

I have never known a race like,the Thais, life is,so cheap, they kill people and don't blink an eye lid, they just carry on as though nothing had happened. Mist people could not live with themselves, but Thais seem to.... ???

Almost as if Thais do not know about karma, very odd.

[Bluespunk]

clockman post # 5

Why does it take so long for justice in Thailand?

That time lag is not peculiar to just Thailand I assure you.

Many other countries have somewhat slow judicial system whose pace is often put in the shade by a horde of stampeding snails.

This guy has been in gaol for the last ten years though, hasn't he?

[HUAHIN62]

Why does it take so long for justice in Thailand?

Because there are no justice in this country. If he was poor he would have been sentenced within a year. Interesting though how other more complicated cases can be investigated, brought to trail and a verdict handed down within a few months and this easy case were the guy acknowledge guilt took 10 years.

Edited June 20, 2014 by theoldgit
Quote fixed

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Wow... that's quite a list... Knew that such activism was dangerous here, but had never seen such a list of many different victims compiled together before.

Interesting to note, most all of the cases recited below seem to have been early 2000s era. Guess who was Prime Minister and what government took charge beginning in Feb. 2001 and onward?

Seems the activists suffered the same kind of fate as the suspected (but unproven) narcotics victims.

Coincidence??? Hmmmm....

Here is a list, culled from the Nation newspaper several years ago,
Of environmental protesters killed or injured by biz interests in Thailand:

1. Jurin Ratchapol: Killed January 30, 2001 because he took action against encroachments into a mangrove forest by influential people in Phuket.

2. Suwat Wongpiyasathit, leader of Rajathewa community: March 28, 2001: Was murdered after campaigning against a garbage disposal project that produced foul smells and water pollution. She was shot dead a day before she was due to speak to a Senate committee on the environment.

3. Narin Bhothidaeng, former chairman of Khao Cha Ang Klang Tung conservation group in Rayong. Killed on May 1, 2001 because he led villagers to protest a rock grinding plant run by a national politician.

4. Pitak Tonewut, former president of the Nature and Environment Conservation Student Club at Ramkhamhaeng University: Killed on May 17, 2001 because he led villagers to oppose the building of a stone mill that encroached on a forest conservation area in Nakhon Sawan province.

5. Chaweewan Peeksungneon, Nakhon Ratchsimas Naklang Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO): Killed June 21, 2001 for obstructed the bidding for construction projects by the TAO which favored local wealthy and influential people.

6. Somporn Chanapol, leader of Kradae river basin conservation group in Surat Thani: Killed July 2001 for protested a dam construction project that obstructed the Kradae river.

7. Kaew Pinpanma: killed in April 2002 over a land dispute in Lamphun province.

8. Boonsom Nimnoi: killed in September 2, 2002 because he protested the construction of a chemical factory in Petchaburis Baan Leam district.

9. Preecha Thongpan: September 27, 2002: Was shot dead after campaigning against a wastewater treatment project in Nakhon Sri Thammarats Tung Song district.

10. Boonrit Charnnarong: Killed December 15, 2002 because he protested against illegal logging by forestry officials in Surat Thanis Tha Chana district.

11. Boonyong Intawong: Killed in December 20, 2002 because he protested against a rock grinding plant run by a local influential figure in Chiang Rais Wiengchai district.

12. Khampan Suksai, deputy chairman of the Ping River Basin Conservation Group: February 1, 2003: Killed when he tried to prevent an important person from encroaching into community forests.

13. Chuan Chamnarnkit: Killed February 4, 2003 because he campaigned against drug use in Nakhon Ratchasima.

14. Samnao Srisongkram, chairman of Pong river conservation club:
Killed May 25, 2003 because he protested against a paper mill.

15. Somchai Neelapaijit, human rights lawyer: Last seen on March 12, 2004: Kidnapped and killed by government agents because he was the defense attorney for five Muslim militants suspected of involvement in the January raid on an Army base. He also was defense attorney for three suspected Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists, and was involved in cases against a proposed gas pipeline in the South.

16. Chareon Wataksorn: Killed June 21, 2004: Led successful campaign against building of power plant at Bo Nok. Filed petition with interior minister and National Counter Corruption Commission accusing wealthy people of bribing local administrative organization officials to agree to sale of a 53rai plot of land. In 2001, he had received an honorary doctorate degree.

17. Luechai Yarangsi, president of an environmental group in Lampang, was shot but survived.

18. Boonsom Nimnoi, a community leader opposing a Phetchaburi plantation, was killed in September 2002.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

The odd/usual thing is... the main convicted killer in this case actually seems to have been in jail/prison for the past decade, at least according to the OP article.

The seemingly normal result in these kinds of cases would be for the suspect to be released on bail AFTER his original conviction pending years and years of appeal proceedings, and then to ultimately have the case dismissed or to flee the country along the way.

[Luk Mhee]

Well done.... We won't be hearing from him any more.

He obviously doesn't have the same sort of money as Chalerm or many other 'rich' socialite families from Bangkok.

I know it’s difficult, but try and change your “thought train” there is no difference between the rich and the poor anymore where the rule of law applies. Justice is equal for everyone regardless of social status.

[Fat Haggis]

Well done.... We won't be hearing from him any more.

He obviously doesn't have the same sort of money as Chalerm or many other 'rich' socialite families from Bangkok.

Reading comprehension has never been your forte when you have these blatant blinkers on. I guess through your yellow rage you missed the part that said he has already been in Jail for the past 10 years!!!

[boomerangutang]

The reason the list shows earlier killings of environmentalists, is because it dates from several years ago. If the list was current, there would likely be more names to add - including the landfill protester mentioned in the OP.

In Thailand, if college girls wear shirts which are too tight, it's headline news, with photos, and everyone buzzing like bees. If a young environmental activist gets shot and killed it's like, yaaawwn, ...let's go to the mall to buy some whitening cream.

You could ask 100 Thai adults about what they know of activists getting killed, and perhaps 4 could give an answer other than, 'arai na?'

[spidermike007]

Why does it take so long for justice in Thailand?

A terribly weak, and ineffective judiciary, that is compromised at almost every level, from what I am told. Judges with no guts, or courage. They can be bought for little money. I hear the same goes for the prosecutors. But, good on the ones who put this fool away for life. How sweet is that? Beautiful, I must say. Nice to see a pig locked up when he deserves it. Sounds like this hooligan felt like he was truly above the law. A Steven Seagal he was not.

[Baerboxer]

Well done.... We won't be hearing from him any more.

He obviously doesn't have the same sort of money as Chalerm or many other 'rich' socialite families from Bangkok.

Reading comprehension has never been your forte when you have these blatant blinkers on. I guess through your yellow rage you missed the part that said he has already been in Jail for the past 10 years!!!

<deleted>? Thumper makes the point that this criminal, who rightly has been in prison for 10 years and will remain there, might not have been had he been wealthier or better connected. Whilst using Chalerm (and by implication his colorful family) as an example he mentions other "rich socialites" - remember the under age driver responsible for many deaths, the one who drove his car into a bus passenger queue because he was upset, the disappearing red bull boy, etc etc etc.

I thought Thumper's post was directed against the injustice of one law for everyone, apart from the rich and connected, rather than trying to make a political statement.

[Loles]

Ye, the world famous Thai life-sentence. Joke.

[Morch]

The reason the list shows earlier killings of environmentalists, is because it dates from several years ago. If the list was current, there would likely be more names to add - including the landfill protester mentioned in the OP.

In Thailand, if college girls wear shirts which are too tight, it's headline news, with photos, and everyone buzzing like bees. If a young environmental activist gets shot and killed it's like, yaaawwn, ...let's go to the mall to buy some whitening cream.

You could ask 100 Thai adults about what they know of activists getting killed, and perhaps 4 could give an answer other than, 'arai na?'

Guess that would depend on where you live in Thailand and whom do you ask.

Granted these stories do not normally stay in the public view (or at least on the media) for long. There's often no quick

resolution, and many a time the reporting is shoddy and details missing. I think that the prevalence of social media in

Thailand and greater internet accessibility go a ways toward making people more aware of these issues.

[Fat Haggis]

Well done.... We won't be hearing from him any more.

He obviously doesn't have the same sort of money as Chalerm or many other 'rich' socialite families from Bangkok.

Reading comprehension has never been your forte when you have these blatant blinkers on. I guess through your yellow rage you missed the part that said he has already been in Jail for the past 10 years!!!

<deleted>? Thumper makes the point that this criminal, who rightly has been in prison for 10 years and will remain there, might not have been had he been wealthier or better connected. Whilst using Chalerm (and by implication his colorful family) as an example he mentions other "rich socialites" - remember the under age driver responsible for many deaths, the one who drove his car into a bus passenger queue because he was upset, the disappearing red bull boy, etc etc etc.

I thought Thumper's post was directed against the injustice of one law for everyone, apart from the rich and connected, rather than trying to make a political statement.

"doesn't (does not) " = present tense, "didn't (did not) " = past tense ,that's the way I read his post it's amazing how a play on words and their usage can take on different meanings eh? Like the Junta on the Cambodian immigrants, "Crack down" to me refers to a swift and decisive course of action, but to others it simply means checking paperwork.. semantics? maybe ?.

I do agree about the rich on all sides, they have less chance of going to jail than the ordinary run of the mill 300 baht a day Thai worker Maybe that's another area that the General needs to look at, and "crack down" on these "elites" who think that money will keep them out of Jail.

[boomerangutang]

In Thailand, 'life sentence' doesn't mean 'life.' There are annual pardons for many. Plus, a bit of well placed baht can get anyone out the back door.

[Artisi]

In Thailand, 'life sentence' doesn't mean 'life.' There are annual pardons for many. Plus, a bit of well placed baht can get anyone out the back door.

A certain general just might arrange a few changes to this behaviour in the not too distant future.

[EBlair48]

I have never known a race like,the Thais, life is,so cheap, they kill people and don't blink an eye lid, they just carry on as though nothing had happened. Mist people could not live with themselves, but Thais seem to.... ???

Thais are not a race, though many seem to think they are. However I will agree, Asians, with a cultures rooted in one religion generally share this lack of value for life

IMO these harsh mores are a result of a dogma that was fostered in order for the rich to lord it over more easily... "The next life will be better" propaganda.

You deserve to be shot or tortured or be a dog skinned alive for last life's misdeeds.

The elite are also deserved of their fortunes, no matter how many environmentalists have to be killed to dig that mine, etc.

[EBlair48]

In Thailand, 'life sentence' doesn't mean 'life.' There are annual pardons for many. Plus, a bit of well placed baht can get anyone out the back door.

A certain general just might arrange a few changes to this behaviour in the not too distant future.

.... so only Royalists have this privilege.

[Thai at Heart]

Wow... that's quite a list... Knew that such activism was dangerous here, but had never seen such a list of many different victims compiled together before.

Interesting to note, most all of the cases recited below seem to have been early 2000s era. Guess who was Prime Minister and what government took charge beginning in Feb. 2001 and onward?

Seems the activists suffered the same kind of fate as the suspected (but unproven) narcotics victims.

Coincidence??? Hmmmm....

Here is a list, culled from the Nation newspaper several years ago,

Of environmental protesters killed or injured by biz interests in Thailand:

1. Jurin Ratchapol: Killed January 30, 2001 because he took action against encroachments into a mangrove forest by influential people in Phuket.

2. Suwat Wongpiyasathit, leader of Rajathewa community: March 28, 2001: Was murdered after campaigning against a garbage disposal project that produced foul smells and water pollution. She was shot dead a day before she was due to speak to a Senate committee on the environment.

3. Narin Bhothidaeng, former chairman of Khao Cha Ang Klang Tung conservation group in Rayong. Killed on May 1, 2001 because he led villagers to protest a rock grinding plant run by a national politician.

4. Pitak Tonewut, former president of the Nature and Environment Conservation Student Club at Ramkhamhaeng University: Killed on May 17, 2001 because he led villagers to oppose the building of a stone mill that encroached on a forest conservation area in Nakhon Sawan province.

5. Chaweewan Peeksungneon, Nakhon Ratchsimas Naklang Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO): Killed June 21, 2001 for obstructed the bidding for construction projects by the TAO which favored local wealthy and influential people.

6. Somporn Chanapol, leader of Kradae river basin conservation group in Surat Thani: Killed July 2001 for protested a dam construction project that obstructed the Kradae river.

7. Kaew Pinpanma: killed in April 2002 over a land dispute in Lamphun province.

8. Boonsom Nimnoi: killed in September 2, 2002 because he protested the construction of a chemical factory in Petchaburis Baan Leam district.

9. Preecha Thongpan: September 27, 2002: Was shot dead after campaigning against a wastewater treatment project in Nakhon Sri Thammarats Tung Song district.

10. Boonrit Charnnarong: Killed December 15, 2002 because he protested against illegal logging by forestry officials in Surat Thanis Tha Chana district.

11. Boonyong Intawong: Killed in December 20, 2002 because he protested against a rock grinding plant run by a local influential figure in Chiang Rais Wiengchai district.

12. Khampan Suksai, deputy chairman of the Ping River Basin Conservation Group: February 1, 2003: Killed when he tried to prevent an important person from encroaching into community forests.

13. Chuan Chamnarnkit: Killed February 4, 2003 because he campaigned against drug use in Nakhon Ratchasima.

14. Samnao Srisongkram, chairman of Pong river conservation club:

Killed May 25, 2003 because he protested against a paper mill.

15. Somchai Neelapaijit, human rights lawyer: Last seen on March 12, 2004: Kidnapped and killed by government agents because he was the defense attorney for five Muslim militants suspected of involvement in the January raid on an Army base. He also was defense attorney for three suspected Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists, and was involved in cases against a proposed gas pipeline in the South.

16. Chareon Wataksorn: Killed June 21, 2004: Led successful campaign against building of power plant at Bo Nok. Filed petition with interior minister and National Counter Corruption Commission accusing wealthy people of bribing local administrative organization officials to agree to sale of a 53rai plot of land. In 2001, he had received an honorary doctorate degree.

17. Luechai Yarangsi, president of an environmental group in Lampang, was shot but survived.

18. Boonsom Nimnoi, a community leader opposing a Phetchaburi plantation, was killed in September 2002.

Agribusiness in the 80s is the same. Fancy ideas like cooperatives etc. Businesses don't like that