'Influential ex-cop' accused of intimidation over land in Phuket hills

[webfact]

'Influential ex-cop' accused of intimidation over land in Phuket hills
Suthicha Sirirat


The security of the Governor (white shirt) and other officials was taken seriously during the visit.

PHUKET: -- Escorted by heavily armed guards, Governor Maitri Inthusut yesterday (June 7) visited 20 families living in the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata-Karon after they reported that they had been threatened and had plants on their farms destroyed.

Somboon Jeamsakul, 63, said that he and the others had SorPorKor farming rights on the land.

SorPorKor papers allow people to occupy the specified piece of land for farming only. The land may not be sold or rented out, and the rights may be assigned only to the holder’s heirs.

But, said Mr Somboon, a former senior police officer of Phuket had his eye on the 423 rai of land occupied by the 20 people and had tried to buy it from them.

When they refused, on the grounds that it was public land they could not sell legally, a campaign of intimidation began, with the villagers being threatened by armed men who appeared to be Burmese, and had, he believed, been hired to frighten the locals.

The locals complained to the Governor’s office.

Gov Maitri said, “I have already ask Royal Forestry Department’s Conservation Section to look into this issue.

“This area has been planted with sator, durian, mangosteen and rubber trees for a long time. The SorPorKor rights were issued in 1998.

“First, we will not allow anyone to intimidate local people. If they do, they will be reported to the assistant district officer of kathu.

“Second, no one is allowed to encroach on Forestry land.

“Third, if anyone does trespass on Forestry land and intimidates local people, legal action will be taken against them.”

He also asked the local people to try to collect evidence – voice recordings, photos or videos – of the people sent to intimidate them, so that they can be identified.

He also advised them to be sure not to plant anything beyond the borders defined in their SorPorKor papers.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/influential-ex-cop-accused-of-intimidation-over-land-in-phuket-hills-47259.php


-- Phuket News 2014-07-08

[TVGerry]

Before the coup, none of this would be investigated. The poor people would just have to take it and smile. I'm glad now that the army have taken over, the governor suddenly grew some stones and is investigating this.

[borisloosebrain]

He asked the local people to collect evidence.... Fair enough I spose... but isn't that the cops' job ?

[LivinginKata]

Before the coup, none of this would be investigated. The poor people would just have to take it and smile. I'm glad now that the army have taken over, the governor suddenly grew some stones and is investigating this.

Exactly correct.

[NamKangMan]

Before the coup, none of this would be investigated. The poor people would just have to take it and smile. I'm glad now that the army have taken over, the governor suddenly grew some stones and is investigating this.

I hope this is investigated properly, but what the Governor says, and what actually happens, may be two different things.

Why hasn't the "influential ex-cop" been arrested? He's already been identified, and clearly has a motive.

Edited July 8, 2014 by NamKangMan

[Cuchulainn]

Before the coup, none of this would be investigated. The poor people would just have to take it and smile. I'm glad now that the army have taken over, the governor suddenly grew some stones and is investigating this.

Exactly, Gerry. That's why the coup is the best thing ever to happen to Thailand .

Keep up the god work, Gen Prayuth.

[sweatalot]

Before the coup, none of this would be investigated. The poor people would just have to take it and smile. I'm glad now that the army have taken over, the governor suddenly grew some stones and is investigating this.

I hope this is investigated properly, but what the Governor says, and what actually happens, may be two different things.

Why hasn't the "influential ex-cop" been arrested? He's already been identified, and clearly has a motive.

arrested for what? having a motive?

I do not think it is legal to arrest anyone only because he has a motive.

Even if everyone knows that he is behind the assault.

Evidence is needed.

[NamKangMan]

Before the coup, none of this would be investigated. The poor people would just have to take it and smile. I'm glad now that the army have taken over, the governor suddenly grew some stones and is investigating this.

I hope this is investigated properly, but what the Governor says, and what actually happens, may be two different things.

Why hasn't the "influential ex-cop" been arrested? He's already been identified, and clearly has a motive.

arrested for what? having a motive?

I do not think it is legal to arrest anyone only because he has a motive.

Even if everyone knows that he is behind the assault.

Evidence is needed.

Arrested for attempting to purchase public land for a start.

He is also a suspect for the hiring of others to carry out the armed intimidation of the villagers.

Also, investigators may be interested in where he got the money to try to purchase 423 rai of Phuket land as well.

They may also be interested who his contact at the land office is who was going to create a fake document for the land purchase.

Search warrant for his house and checking his bank accounts, phone records, emails, assets, associates etc etc etc etc - it's called "police work" and if done correctly, and free from corruption, usually leads to convictions, punishment and justice.

Edited July 8, 2014 by NamKangMan

[saakura]

Most probably, the ex-senior police officer has been hired by an influential businessman/politician. In most shady deals and intimidation you are most likely to find past or serving senior police and army men involved. To get unfair and corrupt advantage, they are also appointed by big companies and corporations to be on their boards. So much corruption in the army with their bloated budgets and legion of generals. Who will bell the cat and reform the army/police?

[kurnell]

Influential? Cowardly more like it. Let this pissant go one on one with one of the villagers, winner takes all.

[wvavin]

The very first person to be kicked out should be the governor and deputy. Why such investigation just started after the coup and not long before that? The answer is simple. He /they have been taking bribes prior to the coup and now its a good time to turn table because nobody can accuse them for helping the authority.

[Benmart]

He asked the local people to collect evidence.... Fair enough I spose... but isn't that the cops' job ?

From my experience, it is not uncommon for complainants to be encouraged to collect evidence in the forms mentioned. They are on-scene, whereas the police may not be there 24/7.

If you were ever in a car accident and took photos/videos and notes, it follows the same premise.

[landslide]

It is time for other countries, especially my own home country, the USA, to quit criticizing the coup, and realize that while not the best response, it has allowed the rule of law to begin a recovery in Thailand. Corruption and intimidation have been the norm under "democracy", and while I am not sure that the improvements in law enforcement will be long lasting, it is refreshing to see crimes actually being investigated, instead of swept under the rug with the payment of a few baht.

[Benmart]

The very first person to be kicked out should be the governor and deputy. Why such investigation just started after the coup and not long before that? The answer is simple. He /they have been taking bribes prior to the coup and now its a good time to turn table because nobody can accuse them for helping the authority.

Please provide your information on said bribes.

[Benmart]

It is time for other countries, especially my own home country, the USA, to quit criticizing the coup, and realize that while not the best response, it has allowed the rule of law to begin a recovery in Thailand. Corruption and intimidation have been the norm under "democracy", and while I am not sure that the improvements in law enforcement will be long lasting, it is refreshing to see crimes actually being investigated, instead of swept under the rug with the payment of a few baht.

I agree. May I suggest an Email to your elected representatives voicing your thoughts?

[NeilSA1]

What a great name for a nudist resort -

"... Governor Maitri Inthusut yesterday visited ... the Nakkerd Hills between..."

Edited July 8, 2014 by NeilSA1

[WitawatWatawit]

^^^knackered - sl. gelded. You can stick your nudist resort.

[landslide]

It is time for other countries, especially my own home country, the USA, to quit criticizing the coup, and realize that while not the best response, it has allowed the rule of law to begin a recovery in Thailand. Corruption and intimidation have been the norm under "democracy", and while I am not sure that the improvements in law enforcement will be long lasting, it is refreshing to see crimes actually being investigated, instead of swept under the rug with the payment of a few baht.

I agree. May I suggest an Email to your elected representatives voicing your thoughts?

Already done last week to my Congresswoman and both state Senators. I also sent snail mail, voicing the same opinion. Unfortunately, they are all Demorats, so I don't think it will do much good.

[oldsailor35]

Before the coup, none of this would be investigated. The poor people would just have to take it and smile. I'm glad now that the army have taken over, the governor suddenly grew some stones and is investigating this.

I hope this is investigated properly, but what the Governor says, and what actually happens, may be two different things.

Why hasn't the "influential ex-cop" been arrested? He's already been identified, and clearly has a motive.

arrested for what? having a motive?

I do not think it is legal to arrest anyone only because he has a motive.

Even if everyone knows that he is behind the assault.

Evidence is needed.

Arrested for threatening the land owners. He should be investigated and his bank statements checked out.

[fasteddie]

It is time for other countries, especially my own home country, the USA, to quit criticizing the coup, and realize that while not the best response, it has allowed the rule of law to begin a recovery in Thailand. Corruption and intimidation have been the norm under "democracy", and while I am not sure that the improvements in law enforcement will be long lasting, it is refreshing to see crimes actually being investigated, instead of swept under the rug with the payment of a few baht.

I agree. May I suggest an Email to your elected representatives voicing your thoughts?

Already done last week to my Congresswoman and both state Senators. I also sent snail mail, voicing the same opinion. Unfortunately, they are all Demorats, so I don't think it will do much good.

Damn them Democrats, supporting democracy, how dare they.

[oldsailor35]

The very first person to be kicked out should be the governor and deputy. Why such investigation just started after the coup and not long before that? The answer is simple. He /they have been taking bribes prior to the coup and now its a good time to turn table because nobody can accuse them for helping the authority.

Yes , ultimately, the buck should at the man at the top.

[joecoolfrog]

Gentlemen

Things do seem to be moving in the right direction but remember we are subject to rigid censorship at the present time . In the circumstances it is hardly surprising that everything so far reported has been positive.

You cannot expect foreign governments to endorse the Junta until such time reporting restrictions are lifted and balanced apraisals can be made.

[eezergood]

Before the coup, none of this would be investigated. The poor people would just have to take it and smile. I'm glad now that the army have taken over, the governor suddenly grew some stones and is investigating this.

I hope this is investigated properly, but what the Governor says, and what actually happens, may be two different things.

Why hasn't the "influential ex-cop" been arrested? He's already been identified, and clearly has a motive.

arrested for what? having a motive?

I do not think it is legal to arrest anyone only because he has a motive.

Even if everyone knows that he is behind the assault.

Evidence is needed.

MInority report! I

[BadBouy]

He asked the local people to collect evidence.... Fair enough I spose... but isn't that the cops' job ?

top cop is the problem you want him in charge of investigation?

[Rorri]

The very first person to be kicked out should be the governor and deputy. Why such investigation just started after the coup and not long before that? The answer is simple. He /they have been taking bribes prior to the coup and now its a good time to turn table because nobody can accuse them for helping the authority.

I've often said the governor should be investigated, it is his failure, to do his duty, that has allowed the corruption and illegal activities to exist. It seems that he is "protected" as there has been no mention of his failings, this itself reflects badly on the military.

[KarenBravo]

^^^knackered - sl. gelded. You can stick your nudist resort.

Nakkerd - Birth-place of the Naga, a mythical multi-headed cobra.

[Old Croc]

I'm loving this coup. The thieves, bullies, corrupt officials and mafia are being outed and charged.

Our little soi, which is more like a goat track, particularly when it rains, desperately needs paving and has been on the OrboTors 'to do' list for ever. Residents have been pushing the local authorities for many years to get it done, to no avail. It had been suggested that we should've all got together to make a sizable payment to the right people to move us to the top of the list.

A few days ago, councillors from other areas were charged with corruption and had their houses and bank accounts scrutinised.

It's possibly coincidence, but suddenly heavy machinery has appeared in our soi, and they have now laid road base in preparation for the concreting of our soi. Money has become available, it's happening fast.

I'm loving this coup.

Edited July 9, 2014 by Old Croc

[LivinginKata]

I've often said the governor should be investigated, it is his failure, to do his duty, that has allowed the corruption and illegal activities to exist. It seems that he is "protected" as there has been no mention of his failings, this itself reflects badly on the military.

But which governor ? They change out with amazing regularity. This just encourages the corruption as they must recoup their initial investment very quickly and they are long gone before the consequences of their policies/actions are queried.

[landslide]

It is time for other countries, especially my own home country, the USA, to quit criticizing the coup, and realize that while not the best response, it has allowed the rule of law to begin a recovery in Thailand. Corruption and intimidation have been the norm under "democracy", and while I am not sure that the improvements in law enforcement will be long lasting, it is refreshing to see crimes actually being investigated, instead of swept under the rug with the payment of a few baht.

I agree. May I suggest an Email to your elected representatives voicing your thoughts?

Already done last week to my Congresswoman and both state Senators. I also sent snail mail, voicing the same opinion. Unfortunately, they are all Demorats, so I don't think it will do much good.

Damn them Democrats, supporting democracy, how dare they.

Being a member of the Cemoratic Party and supporting democracy are two entirely different things.

[Oziex1]

Before the coup, none of this would be investigated. The poor people would just have to take it and smile. I'm glad now that the army have taken over, the governor suddenly grew some stones and is investigating this.

I hope this is investigated properly, but what the Governor says, and what actually happens, may be two different things.

Why hasn't the "influential ex-cop" been arrested? He's already been identified, and clearly has a motive.

arrested for what? having a motive?

I do not think it is legal to arrest anyone only because he has a motive.

Even if everyone knows that he is behind the assault.

Evidence is needed.

Arrested for threatening the land owners. He should be investigated and his bank statements checked out.

Find the hired thugs and put the frightners on them, make them talk.

You gotta wonder about the intelligence of these people. NCPO, crackdowns, investigations of all sorts but still they try it on!