Thai Court hands down death sentence for two men convicted of murdering Ekkayuth

[webfact]

Court hands down death sentence for two men convicted of murdering Ekkayuth



BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court today sentenced two convicts to death after find them guilty of killing Ekkayuth Anchanbutr in June last year.

Six people, including Ekkayuth’s driver Santiparp Pengduang, alias “Ball” , and five others were arrested in connection with the kidnap and murder of the pyramid scheme operator and political activist, Ekkayuth, on June 6 last year.

At the hearing of the verdict today, the court ruled that Santiparp and his conspirator, Suthipong Pimpiusan, alias “Berm”, were guilty of kidnapping and robbing Ekkayuth of 6.6 million in cash and assets at gunpoint between June 6-9, 2013 in Bangkok as charged by the state attorney.

According to the attorney, the two convicts strangled Ekkayuth to death and then drove his body to Phatthalung province in the South for burial.

Two more persons, Chavalit Wunchum, and Tiwakorn Kuathong, helped them to bury the body.

Santiparp left 4 million baht in cash with his parents, Sgt Ithipol and Jitampohai Pengduang to deposit in bank.

Santiparp was later arrested in Samut Sakhon province and later confessed to the kidnap and murder.

He later identified other conspirators who included his parents.

The court then sentenced Santiparp and Suthipong to death.

But their confessions were helpful to the court trial, the death sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment.

Chavalit was given 13 months in prison, plus six months in another court case in Phatthalung, while Tiwakorn also given eight months.

His parents get one year and four months for taking stolen cash for hiding.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/court-hands-death-sentence-two-men-convicted-murdering-ekkayuth


-- Thai PBS 2014-12-30

[chainarong]

The late Ekkayuth being a Pyramid scheme operator was a time bomb waiting to explode at the best of times.

[JOC]

"Santiparp left 4 million baht in cash with his parents, Sgt Ithipol and Jitampohai Pengduang to deposit in bank."

What a lovely family!! All worshiping the God of Greed.

[Bluespunk]

"He later identified other conspirators who included his parents."

The good son.

[scorecard]

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

"Santiparp left 4 million baht in cash with his parents, Sgt Ithipol and Jitampohai Pengduang to deposit in bank."

What a lovely family!! All worshiping the God of Greed.

And we all know the name of the god of greed.

[i claudius]

Not the brightest sparks ,kill someone then deposite the money in your bank account .

[phil2407]

Why do get more for hiding money than "hiding a corpse" unless I've misread

[FangFerang]

The title and content do not match. "Their sentences were commuted to life in prison." Typical confusing reporting.

[bangrak]

Mr Ekkayuth was not the kind of human being to be remembered for humane qualities or positive achievements for mankind. That he turned(!) a rabid opponent of Thaksin and Yingluck wasn't a positive point for the opposition's credibility either, but his 'fight', and the allegations he made, were for sure quite 'disturbing' for some.

Justice has spoken, a ruling has been made, a sentence delivered, and this can not be the object of any negative criticism according to the Law.

There are still two perturbating elements for me:

1) The fact that in this case Mr Chalerm has been making several declarations which were in timing way ahead of the evidence collected by the Police investigators. Let's forget he was from day one sure the case was 'not politically motivated'... But he declared that Mr Ekkayuth had been murdered before the body was found and any suspect arrested, and already explained the motive too. Later, he even went into details about the why and how of the abduction and murder, before the interrogation of any suspect by the Police.

2) The odds of life make that I know that Santitarp. He is still a boy in his head, mind you rather a bad boy, with a terribly low IQ, and the probability for him to be some local criminal was high, to the dispear of his family. But I consider it very hard to believe he had the, dark, intellectual capacity to have had any leading role in the abduction, and I doubt he would have been 'able' to cold bloodidly kill, murder, a human being (the effects of a 'fit of anger' on a Thai male being a different matter). As for him to have been 'the mastermind' of the whole operation, and the 'organiser', is plain totally impossible, in the opinion of all who know about him, even just at a distance like me.

So, having been adding up 1) and 2) since the whole thing happened, I am personally convinced there was a paid 'mastermind', there were paid 'professionals' involved (black fatigues?), in the organisation, in the abduction, in the 'execution'. IMO, we will probably, as so many times here, never know the real story, the truth, about why and how Mr Akkeyuth had to be 'taken out', and even less of a chance to hear about who were the persons who ordred 'the operation'. The ones who know more will keep their mouth shut forever, out of fear. It weren't the grudge and greed of a few lowlifes which got Mr Akkeyuth killed, that I am sure of... But yes, I believe Santitarp strangled Mr Akkeyuth, when he was already dead...

[Jimbo2014]

Dead men can't tell tails

[EnglishJohn]

While I accept they did it, I'm sure there is a second half to this story which we can all suspect given the remarkable coincidences and the absurd way it was supposed to have been carried out.

Chalerm railroaded this enquiry in the same way he told the DSI that the 'men in black' officially did not exist - and therefore must never be mentioned or investigated.

Whatever happens under the Junta, it cannot be worse than the medieval farce Thailand experienced under Pheu-Thai and Thaksin.

[Anthony5]

Mr Ekkayuth was not the kind of human being to be remembered for humane qualities or positive achievements for mankind. That he turned(!) a rabid opponent of Thaksin and Yingluck wasn't a positive point for the opposition's credibility either, but his 'fight', and the allegations he made, were for sure quite 'disturbing' for some.

Justice has spoken, a ruling has been made, a sentence delivered, and this can not be the object of any negative criticism according to the Law.

There are still two perturbating elements for me:

1) The fact that in this case Mr Chalerm has been making several declarations which were in timing way ahead of the evidence collected by the Police investigators. Let's forget he was from day one sure the case was 'not politically motivated'... But he declared that Mr Ekkayuth had been murdered before the body was found and any suspect arrested, and already explained the motive too. Later, he even went into details about the why and how of the abduction and murder, before the interrogation of any suspect by the Police.

2) The odds of life make that I know that Santitarp. He is still a boy in his head, mind you rather a bad boy, with a terribly low IQ, and the probability for him to be some local criminal was high, to the dispear of his family. But I consider it very hard to believe he had the, dark, intellectual capacity to have had any leading role in the abduction, and I doubt he would have been 'able' to cold bloodidly kill, murder, a human being (the effects of a 'fit of anger' on a Thai male being a different matter). As for him to have been 'the mastermind' of the whole operation, and the 'organiser', is plain totally impossible, in the opinion of all who know about him, even just at a distance like me.

So, having been adding up 1) and 2) since the whole thing happened, I am personally convinced there was a paid 'mastermind', there were paid 'professionals' involved (black fatigues?), in the organisation, in the abduction, in the 'execution'. IMO, we will probably, as so many times here, never know the real story, the truth, about why and how Mr Akkeyuth had to be 'taken out', and even less of a chance to hear about who were the persons who ordred 'the operation'. The ones who know more will keep their mouth shut forever, out of fear. It weren't the grudge and greed of a few lowlifes which got Mr Akkeyuth killed, that I am sure of... But yes, I believe Santitarp strangled Mr Akkeyuth, when he was already dead...

Is every event in Thailand a conspiracy these days or are it just the TV members that see a conspiracy in a fried rice with chicken?

[hiller]

While I accept they did it, I'm sure there is a second half to this story which we can all suspect given the remarkable coincidences and the absurd way it was supposed to have been carried out.

Chalerm railroaded this enquiry in the same way he told the DSI that the 'men in black' officially did not exist - and therefore must never be mentioned or investigated.

Whatever happens under the Junta, it cannot be worse than the medieval farce Thailand experienced under Pheu-Thai and Thaksin.

John, you make one worry about you.

[bangrak]

Mr Ekkayuth was not the kind of human being to be remembered for humane qualities or positive achievements for mankind. That he turned(!) a rabid opponent of Thaksin and Yingluck wasn't a positive point for the opposition's credibility either, but his 'fight', and the allegations he made, were for sure quite 'disturbing' for some.

Justice has spoken, a ruling has been made, a sentence delivered, and this can not be the object of any negative criticism according to the Law.

There are still two perturbating elements for me:

1) The fact that in this case Mr Chalerm has been making several declarations which were in timing way ahead of the evidence collected by the Police investigators. Let's forget he was from day one sure the case was 'not politically motivated'... But he declared that Mr Ekkayuth had been murdered before the body was found and any suspect arrested, and already explained the motive too. Later, he even went into details about the why and how of the abduction and murder, before the interrogation of any suspect by the Police.

2) The odds of life make that I know that Santitarp. He is still a boy in his head, mind you rather a bad boy, with a terribly low IQ, and the probability for him to be some local criminal was high, to the dispear of his family. But I consider it very hard to believe he had the, dark, intellectual capacity to have had any leading role in the abduction, and I doubt he would have been 'able' to cold bloodedly kill, murder, a human being (the effects of a 'fit of anger' on a Thai male being a different matter). As for him to have been 'the mastermind' of the whole operation, and the 'organiser', is plain totally impossible, in the opinion of all who know about him, even just at a distance like me.

So, having been adding up 1) and 2) since the whole thing happened, I am personally convinced there was a paid 'mastermind', there were paid 'professionals' involved (black fatigues?), in the organisation, in the abduction, in the 'execution'. IMO, we will probably, as so many times here, never know the real story, the truth, about why and how Mr Ekkayuth had to be 'taken out', and even less of a chance to hear about who were the persons who ordred 'the operation'. The ones who know more will keep their mouth shut forever, out of fear. It weren't the grudge and greed of a few lowlifes which got Mr Ekkayuth killed, that I am sure of... But yes, I believe Santitarp strangled Mr Ekkayuth, when he was already dead...

Is every event in Thailand a conspiracy these days or are it just the TV members that see a conspiracy in a fried rice with chicken?

Nothing sensible to say? Enjoy your fried rice with chicken then. Better indeed for people who don't know and/or not understand to stick to their basic brainless existence. That's the kind of farangs which are appreciated, as long as their money lasts...

[bangrak]

Mr Ekkayuth was not the kind of human being to be remembered for humane qualities or positive achievements for mankind. That he turned(!) a rabid opponent of Thaksin and Yingluck wasn't a positive point for the opposition's credibility either, but his 'fight', and the allegations he made, were for sure quite 'disturbing' for some.

Justice has spoken, a ruling has been made, a sentence delivered, and this can not be the object of any negative criticism according to the Law.

There are still two perturbating elements for me:

1) The fact that in this case Mr Chalerm has been making several declarations which were in timing way ahead of the evidence collected by the Police investigators. Let's forget he was from day one sure the case was 'not politically motivated'... But he declared that Mr Ekkayuth had been murdered before the body was found and any suspect arrested, and already explained the motive too. Later, he even went into details about the why and how of the abduction and murder, before the interrogation of any suspect by the Police.

2) The odds of life make that I know that Santitarp. He is still a boy in his head, mind you rather a bad boy, with a terribly low IQ, and the probability for him to be some local criminal was high, to the dispear of his family. But I consider it very hard to believe he had the, dark, intellectual capacity to have had any leading role in the abduction, and I doubt he would have been 'able' to cold bloodidly kill, murder, a human being (the effects of a 'fit of anger' on a Thai male being a different matter). As for him to have been 'the mastermind' of the whole operation, and the 'organiser', is plain totally impossible, in the opinion of all who know about him, even just at a distance like me.

So, having been adding up 1) and 2) since the whole thing happened, I am personally convinced there was a paid 'mastermind', there were paid 'professionals' involved (black fatigues?), in the organisation, in the abduction, in the 'execution'. IMO, we will probably, as so many times here, never know the real story, the truth, about why and how Mr Akkeyuth had to be 'taken out', and even less of a chance to hear about who were the persons who ordred 'the operation'. The ones who know more will keep their mouth shut forever, out of fear. It weren't the grudge and greed of a few lowlifes which got Mr Akkeyuth killed, that I am sure of... But yes, I believe Santitarp strangled Mr Akkeyuth, when he was already dead...

Is every event in Thailand a conspiracy these days or are it just the TV members that see a conspiracy in a fried rice with chicken?

I didn't learn about Mr Akkeyut, nor followed the news, nor knew Santitarp, over a bowl of fried rice with chicken...

[chooka]

Are they out on bail yet?

[halloween]

Are they out on bail yet?

No. There has been a change of government.

[webfact]

Court gives driver life in prison for murder of Akeyuth
PIYANUT TUMNUKASETCHAI,
OPAS BOONLOM
THE NATION


Santiparb Pengduang

BANGKOK: -- THE CRIMINAL Court gave the death sentence to two of six defendants for murdering high-profile and outspoken businessman Akeyuth Anchanbutr last year - but the penalty was commuted to life imprisonment because they had confessed.

The murder of Akeyuth was big news last year, capturing immense public attention and the media spotlight as he was a strong critic of then-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her brother Thaksin.

There was huge speculation on who masterminded Akeyuth's murder, when he disappeared and was later found dead in June last year. Finally, evidence submitted to the court nailed down six defendants with "money" as the motive for the attack. The court read out its verdict, based on the evidence, yesterday.

Two of the defendants, Akeyuth's driver Santiparb Pengduang and Suttipong Pimpisarn, were convicted of pre-meditated murder and robbery. By detaining and killing Akeyuth, they managed to get Bt6.6 million in assets and cash from him.

Their punishment was commuted from the death penalty to life in prison on grounds that their confession during interrogation proved somewhat useful.

These two defendants were also ordered to pay Bt1.9 million in compensation to their victim's family. Police have so far recovered just a little over Bt4.2 million after the defendants' were arrested. Four other defendants also got guilty verdicts with lighter punishment.

Chawalit Wunchum, another suspect, was found guilty of violating the gun law and trying to hide Akeyuth's body. He received a 13-month jail term, but because he had a previous suspended jail term from another case, Chawalit will have to serve 19 months in jail following yesterday's verdict.

Driver's parents also get jail terms

Tiwakorn Kua-thong was also convicted of trying to hide Akeyuth's body. He got eight months in jail.

Santiparb's parents, Master Sergeant Ittipon Pengduang and Jit-ampai Penguang, were found guilty of accepting crime-related money. They both received 16 months in jail.

After the verdict was read, Santiparp said he would consult his lawyers on how to appeal. Despite his conviction and serious punishment, he was still smiling.

Akeyuth's son, who also showed up in the court, said he was satisfied with the verdict. "But I am going to consult my lawyer on whether to appeal," he added.

Before his death, Akeyuth told his lawyer Suwat Apaisak that he felt someone wanted to kill him. Suwat also claimed he had talked to Santiparb during his detention and was told that a team of professional killers - not he - had murdered Akeyuth.

Akeyuth launched a website - Thai Insider - that published many reports and opinion pieces highly critical of Thaksin and Yingluck.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Court-gives-driver-life-in-prison-for-murder-of-Ak-30251010.html


-- The Nation 2014-12-31

[ezzra]

"He later identified other conspirators who included his parents."

The good son.

'All in the family'

[Strangebrew]

So as usual the real crooks manage to get there cut. 6.6 million stolen 4.2 million recovered.

[mattyc1957]

So as usual the real crooks manage to get there cut. 6.6 million stolen 4.2 million recovered.

And only 1.9 returned to the family. Where does the rest of the recovered amount go? The BIB?

[Baerboxer]

Mr Ekkayuth was not the kind of human being to be remembered for humane qualities or positive achievements for mankind. That he turned(!) a rabid opponent of Thaksin and Yingluck wasn't a positive point for the opposition's credibility either, but his 'fight', and the allegations he made, were for sure quite 'disturbing' for some.

Justice has spoken, a ruling has been made, a sentence delivered, and this can not be the object of any negative criticism according to the Law.

There are still two perturbating elements for me:

1) The fact that in this case Mr Chalerm has been making several declarations which were in timing way ahead of the evidence collected by the Police investigators. Let's forget he was from day one sure the case was 'not politically motivated'... But he declared that Mr Ekkayuth had been murdered before the body was found and any suspect arrested, and already explained the motive too. Later, he even went into details about the why and how of the abduction and murder, before the interrogation of any suspect by the Police.

2) The odds of life make that I know that Santitarp. He is still a boy in his head, mind you rather a bad boy, with a terribly low IQ, and the probability for him to be some local criminal was high, to the dispear of his family. But I consider it very hard to believe he had the, dark, intellectual capacity to have had any leading role in the abduction, and I doubt he would have been 'able' to cold bloodidly kill, murder, a human being (the effects of a 'fit of anger' on a Thai male being a different matter). As for him to have been 'the mastermind' of the whole operation, and the 'organiser', is plain totally impossible, in the opinion of all who know about him, even just at a distance like me.

So, having been adding up 1) and 2) since the whole thing happened, I am personally convinced there was a paid 'mastermind', there were paid 'professionals' involved (black fatigues?), in the organisation, in the abduction, in the 'execution'. IMO, we will probably, as so many times here, never know the real story, the truth, about why and how Mr Akkeyuth had to be 'taken out', and even less of a chance to hear about who were the persons who ordred 'the operation'. The ones who know more will keep their mouth shut forever, out of fear. It weren't the grudge and greed of a few lowlifes which got Mr Akkeyuth killed, that I am sure of... But yes, I believe Santitarp strangled Mr Akkeyuth, when he was already dead...

Is every event in Thailand a conspiracy these days or are it just the TV members that see a conspiracy in a fried rice with chicken?

No every event isn't. But Chalerm's involvement rings bells, given his propensity for fiction and absurd statements. He certainly railroaded this case, declaring the outcome before the body was found and his mates in the BiB got off their &lt;deleted&gt;.

The victim had been slating Yingluck and Thaksin and was the witness to Yingluck's Four Season's escapade. Suddenly he's murdered and Chalerm announces all the details before the bodies found.

All above board, open and shut case. Solved by the Police Captain Dr, Chalerm who then went on to run CAPO with similar skill and dedication.

[Estrada]

Ekkayuth gained notoriety in 1984 when he was allegedly involved in a pyramid investment scheme, "Charter Investment Co Ltd", that defrauded hundreds of people, mostly army officers and their families, of more than 1 billion baht (US$24 million; euro 20 million). He fled to the UK and then came back to take part in a failed coup, then went back to the UK where I knew him as part of the Thai community. He returned in 2004 after the statute of limitations had expired. It is thought that the mastermind behind the murder is not his driver but someone who invested in his ponzi scheme and paid the driver to do it.