High-ranking Thai army man sought for trafficking of Rohingya in South

[webfact]

MAJ-GENERAL MANAS
Army man sought for trafficking of Rohingya in South
The Nation


Maj-General Manas Khongpaen

Arrest warrant issued for major general suspected of trafficking after large sum found in his bank account

BANGKOK: -- POLICE YESTERDAY obtained a warrant for the arrest of an influential Army major-general accused of running or benefiting from trafficking in Rohingya and other migrants in the South.

In a police document submitted to a court in Songkhla, Maj-General Manas Khongpaen has been accused of various crimes, including slavery of humans aged under 15 at a number of locations, including seven in the South and in Bangladesh and Myanmar, between November 2102 and May this year.

The Na Thawee provincial court approved the arrest warrant.

The written request was submitted by Pol Maj-General Paween Phongsirin, an area commander responsible for provinces in the upper South and the police investigation into the entire human trafficking racket.

Speaking before news of the police request for Manas's warrant broke, Army spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvari said the Army was willing and ready to cooperate with police in the arrest of any Army officer accused of human smuggling.

He said police could immediately contact Army units where the accused officers were attached, and that more details about a potential arrest warrant for a high-ranking Army officer would be known today.

Manas, 58, was serving the Army as an adviser in several prominent positions in the South including the chief of the Chumphon military area, and the chief of 42nd Army district in Songkhla.

A key piece of evidence implicating him in human trafficking surfaced during the raid of the home of a key suspect last month in which bank transaction slips showing Manas as the recipient of a large amount of money were allegedly found.

To date, Manas is the most senior military officer still serving implicated in the human trafficking syndicates.

Previously, the junta and the government continually denied reports that security officers were linked to the trafficking and trading in modern-day slavery.

The junta launched a crackdown on human trafficking syndicates after the country was relegated by the United States to Tier 3, the lowest level, in its Trafficking in Persons report last year.

'Ko Mik' due back from Myanmar

The crackdown resulted in the discovery of a mass grave in the southern border province of Songkhla in late April, while an influx of boat people on the Indian Ocean and the Andaman Sea continued.

There are now 51 suspects in custody, through either arrest or surrender, out of 84 people wanted under arrest warrants, said deputy national police chief General Aek Angsananont.

He said arrested key suspect Nathaphat Saengthong, or Ko Mik, would soon be returned to Thailand after he was arrested by Myanmar authorities in Yangon last week.

Aek repeated the police's self-imposed deadline on completing an investigation report into human trafficking by mid-June.

Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Navy has readied equipment and vessels to carry out an operation - code named Operation Centre for Patrol and Humanitarian Assistance to Irregular Migrants in the Indian Ocean - to rescue and help out Rohingya and other migrants stranded off Thailand's Andaman coast.

It is estimated that a few thousand boat people are still at sea waiting for a chance to land somewhere in Malaysia or Indonesia, or use Thailand as a transit point to Malaysia.

The amphibious land ship HTMS Ang Thong is the command ship for the seven Navy vessels responding to the crisis and has 360 three-tier bunks and 400 beds, said its skipper, Commander Ratthaphol Panin.

The ship also has six medical beds, an operating theatre, a dental care room and a kitchen that serves 400 people in a mess hall. It can store raw ingredients in refrigerated rooms for a week.

HTMS Ang Thong has 154 crew, two amphibious vehicles that can each transport 150 people and two transport crafts that can each transport 36 people, as well as a platform that can house two helicopters, the skipper said.

The government has allowed the US to fly over Thai sovereign waters for maritime surveillance missions since last week after a request from Washington to help inspect the movement of boat people who might be stranded at sea.

The US Navy flights take off from Malaysia's Subang base, while the government is considering a request to use a base in U-Tapao or Phuket for the operation.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Army-man-sought-for-trafficking-of-Rohingya-in-Sou-30261402.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-02

[webfact]

High-ranking army officer faces arrest warrant in human trafficking cases

BANGKOK, 2 June 2015 (NNT) - Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police Pol.Gen. Ek Angsananont called a meeting between investigators and prosecutors on the progress of the investigation into human trafficking cases in southern provinces. The cases will be forwarded to the Attorney-General on 20 June 2015.

Pol.Gen. Ek said the investigations had very much progressed with sufficient evidence to press charges against the detained suspects. One of the key suspect who had been arrested in Myanmar would be brought back to Thailand for prosecution as soon as possible, the deputy police chief said.

There are 84 human trafficking suspects with arrest warrants. 51 of them have been arrested and the rest have remained at large. A high-ranking army officer is reportedly one of the suspects.


-- NNT 2015-06-02

[NongKhaiKid]

But But didn't the army, the very top of the army assure that no military officers were involved.

However this seems to be a police generated investigation which might explain a lot. Seems the children will never be likely to play nicely.

[ExPratt]

About time,

I did think it was impossible to have 1000s of Refugee spread an area Controlled by the Military, without them knowing

If a Maj -Gen as involved I doubt he hasn't got a few dozen underlings "Following Orders"

[arthurboy]

Given the huge money involved, follow the paper and ATM trails, check the bank accounts, check for evidence of unusual wealth and connections with superiors and subordinates, etc. etc.

Hardly rocket science, is it?

Oh, wait...

[NongKhaiKid]

About time,

I did think it was impossible to have 1000s of Refugee spread an area Controlled by the Military, without them knowing

If a Maj -Gen as involved I doubt he hasn't got a few dozen underlings "Following Orders"

It will be interesting to see where this goes in various directions starting with did the BIB clear this with anyone or just decide to get on with it ?

[webfact]

An army general suspended from duty for involvement in human trafficking

BANGKOK: -- A senior army officer was suspended from active duty after the police had sought his arrest for alleged involvement in the trafficking of Rohingya migrants.

Army Commander-in-Chief General Udomdej Seetabutr said Monday that he was informed some time ago about the case against Lt-Gen Manas Kongpaen, an army specialist, and was not surprised by the issuance of warrant for the arrest of the officer.

He stressed that the army would not interfere with the police in their investigation into the case and would not help Lt-Gen Manas. Instead, he said that the army would launch a disciplinary probe against the general in the next step.

General Udomdej said he had made clear his policy that any army officers who were involved in illegal activities would be dealt with decisively in accordance with the letters of the law.

He explained that Lt-Gen Manas’s suspension from active duty was part of the defence procedure after the latter was slapped with an arrest warrant. He went on say that Lt-Gen Manas might be banned from entering certain areas if his entry might jeopardize the case.

The army chief said that Lt-Gen Manas might be relieved of his duty if the army’s disciplinary probe confirmed his alleged involvement in the human trafficking racket.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/an-army-general-suspended-from-duty-for-involvement-in-human-trafficking


-- Thai PBS 2015-06-02

[ExPratt]

About time,

I did think it was impossible to have 1000s of Refugee spread an area Controlled by the Military, without them knowing

If a Maj -Gen as involved I doubt he hasn't got a few dozen underlings "Following Orders"

It will be interesting to see where this goes in various directions starting with did the BIB clear this with anyone or just decide to get on with it ?

I hope they just announced it , I reckon they would be pretty peeved actually. They have taken all the blame so far in area they did not control. Whats the betting they try and spin the Army bloke as pro Thaksin.

Could be Big blow to certain peoples integrity and question the competence of his old bosses ect

Edited June 1, 2015 by ExPratt

[EricBerg]

I hardly dare say it, but could this means things in Thailand are finally on the move a bit? If the army really drops a major-general, it means more army boys will follow. So there are limits to what the real bad ones can afford to do to make an extra baht. And that would be a very nice first step in a looooooong proces.

[smedly]

But But didn't the army, the very top of the army assure that no military officers were involved.

However this seems to be a police generated investigation which might explain a lot. Seems the children will never be likely to play nicely.

so you would rather they just cover it up then you wouldn't be posting this garbage

I personally would prefer they arrest this person and charge him and that you remain silent as you really have never had anything constructive to say on here, my evidence is the above post

and by the way - children were playing nicely and happy at a local market in Trat until red terrorist low life thugs decided to present them with a grenade and murder them - can you honestly live with that

[ExPratt]

But But didn't the army, the very top of the army assure that no military officers were involved.

However this seems to be a police generated investigation which might explain a lot. Seems the children will never be likely to play nicely.

so you would rather they just cover it up then you wouldn't be posting this garbage

I personally would prefer they arrest this person and charge him and that you remain silent as you really have never had anything constructive to say on here, my evidence is the above post

and by the way - children were playing nicely and happy at a local market in Trat until red terrorist low life thugs decided to present them with a grenade and murder them - can you honestly live with that

But he's been bubbled by the Police hasn't he ,I wonder if that was Oked by the top brass. He may have been so blatant that they had no choice , They did announce there was no Army involved. Which really was a shoot yourself in the foot statement. Because no ones involved until they get caught unless of course it tuns out to be a "Misunderstanding"

[berybert]

I expect this army man will be so disgusted with what he has done he will soon be found dead somewhere. Then the trail runs cold.

[rhythmworx]

TIT

Wat a tit.

Edited June 2, 2015 by rhythmworx

[LannaGuy]

they tried to protect him, tried to cover it up, but when they couldn't they threw him under the bus (where he should be I grant you)

[NongKhaiKid]

But But didn't the army, the very top of the army assure that no military officers were involved.

However this seems to be a police generated investigation which might explain a lot. Seems the children will never be likely to play nicely.

so you would rather they just cover it up then you wouldn't be posting this garbage

I personally would prefer they arrest this person and charge him and that you remain silent as you really have never had anything constructive to say on here, my evidence is the above post

and by the way - children were playing nicely and happy at a local market in Trat until red terrorist low life thugs decided to present them with a grenade and murder them - can you honestly live with that

What's children playing in Trat got to do with two of the country's major institutions hardly being on the best of terms ?

No I don't want things like this covered up but as is so often the case there's more to things than meet the eye and there's always a potential for fallout including the gap between BIB and RTA widening. Is that too much to comprehend ?

As for garbage I'll happily defer to your superior ability to produce that, including your trademark personal attacks.

Edited June 2, 2015 by NongKhaiKid

[rhythmworx]

Get Stacey Dooley over there to investigate.

[geriatrickid]

Anyone else have the impression that there has been an attempt to mislead people? There have been multiple allegations of military involvement in the human trafficking. It's time to give credit where credit is due and that is to the RTP. I know the RTP has its deficiencies, but in this matter, the investigators have done their job. Tine for a quick reminder

As per the Reuters report at the time

On Jan. 11, police intercepted a convoy with about 100 malnourished Rohingya huddled in trucks in the southern district of Hua Sai, Anuchon said. One woman was found dead, another two died later in hospital. Arrests following that interception yielded phone records that allowed police to piece together some of the alleged network, Anuchon said. Bank transfer slips showed payments to suspected network members.

The network grossed about 10 million baht ($302,147) a month, said Police Lieutenant Colonel Phongsathorn Kueaseng, an investigator on the case.

The RTP kept investigating and the trail led to the Malaysia-Thai border and a major smuggler "Anwar". He was busted and he snitched on others. Then on May 18, one of the kingpins was identified and it leaked that he was a senior officer.. This was reported on at the time. Does anyone else remember this part of the story?

At the time, Army spokesman Winthai Suvaree downplayed the allegation and said the police had to substantiate their allegation. When Prime Minister General Prayut was questioned by reporters on the matter he said he knew nothing about the situation.

Anyone else remember this comment

Posted 2015-05-11 15:40:52 Army chief says no army officer engaged in Rohinya human trafficking

How could the army general make the comment when it was a known fact as to the involvement of the major general?

The police kept at the investigation, not the army. And now despite the identity of this major general having been known for several weeks, we only now see a suspension from active service. The question that needs to be asked is why wasn't this general detained by the army? Why is he still walking around free?

[ExPratt]

But But didn't the army, the very top of the army assure that no military officers were involved.

However this seems to be a police generated investigation which might explain a lot. Seems the children will never be likely to play nicely.

so you would rather they just cover it up then you wouldn't be posting this garbage

I personally would prefer they arrest this person and charge him and that you remain silent as you really have never had anything constructive to say on here, my evidence is the above post

and by the way - children were playing nicely and happy at a local market in Trat until red terrorist low life thugs decided to present them with a grenade and murder them - can you honestly live with that

To your last paragraph mate. Thats not really part of the discussion is it, but of course that is an outrage if indeed it did happened.We can all point to atrocities by both sides and we'd all end up getting hysterical and "Outraged".Things happen in political conflicts that no one is proud of but unfortuneately its the nature of the beast here , Dont get confused by people who resent military takeovers and people who support Thanksin and the Red shirts. You support the Junta but I'm sure your dont support them because of Armies behavior in the past. You see them as a way forward from the old conflicts and they may be temporarily, Take it easy mate its only some old bent general who's been caught out

[geriatrickid]

they tried to protect him, tried to cover it up, but when they couldn't they threw him under the bus (where he should be I grant you)

He wasn't tossed under a bus. He was caught by the RTP once the dead bodies started to pile up, The RTP deserve a lot of credit for not folding to the pressure of the army and of carrying through on their investigation. The foreign governments who forced the issue deserve credit too as this matter would have been ignored if only the Chinese and Russian and Indian opinions were taken into consideration.

[LannaGuy]

they tried to protect him, tried to cover it up, but when they couldn't they threw him under the bus (where he should be I grant you)

He wasn't tossed under a bus. He was caught by the RTP once the dead bodies started to pile up, The RTP deserve a lot of credit for not folding to the pressure of the army and of carrying through on their investigation. The foreign governments who forced the issue deserve credit too as this matter would have been ignored if only the Chinese and Russian and Indian opinions were taken into consideration.

that's my point, they tried to protect him, they DENIED any Army involvement and when the pressure was too much under the bus he went

yes the foreign governments deserve all the credit and the matter, as you say, would have been ignored (covered up)

[Denim]

Oh well , games up for the general and he will be punished severely by being moved to an inactive post.

Interesting that General Udomdej has known about this for some time but that the army and prime minister have up until now denied any knowledge of wrongdoing by anyone in the military.

Still ....... corruption in the army .........who would have believed it

[Fat Haggis]

But But didn't the army, the very top of the army assure that no military officers were involved.

However this seems to be a police generated investigation which might explain a lot. Seems the children will never be likely to play nicely.

so you would rather they just cover it up then you wouldn't be posting this garbage

I personally would prefer they arrest this person and charge him and that you remain silent as you really have never had anything constructive to say on here, my evidence is the above post

and by the way - children were playing nicely and happy at a local market in Trat until red terrorist low life thugs decided to present them with a grenade and murder them - can you honestly live with that

Nah, I'd preferit if the Army stopped lying!! and then you wouldn't have to keeo jumping to their defence all the time.

Not two -three weeks ago it was stated by a security figure that Army personnel WERE involved in the human trafficking camps, there was documentation to support this.

Then the head of the army not a few days ago stated no Army involvement.

Then he goes and say this

Army Commander-in-Chief General Udomdej Seetabutr said Monday that he was informed some time ago about the case against Lt-Gen Manas Kongpaen, an army specialist, and was not surprised by the issuance of warrant for the arrest of the officer.

So dismount that high horse you're riding, when the Army start being more open and transparent, and more honest, then, and only then people who are critical of their claims, might, just might give them more credibility.

This isn't about any other faction, or politician, don't bring them into it and defelct the issue.

I'd have personally prefered it for you to have stated "Well done on the Army for highlighting they have their own internal bad guys" ... but you can't, or don't seem to be able to.

The reference to playing like Children is both the RTA and the RTP are behaving like infants, but you couln't hel yourself throw in a wee Anti Red rant... typical Kool aid drinker really, please can you highlight where ANY TVF forum member rejoiced in the killing of the Children in Trat.

It's not about having to live with that, get over yourself, who do you think you are ?, unless people knew the families involved, they're simple statistics in a country beset with political strife!! Why should you try and turn it into some sort of guilt trip ?

Do you cry yourself to sleep at all the children who die all over the world through acts of violence, can you honsestly live with that?

[BSJ]

Why just yesterday "BANGKOK: -- Army commander-in-chief Gen Udomdej Sitabutra insisted Monday no Army officers were engaged in Rohinya human trafficking."

and yet here we are today with a Major General, no less, having a warrant issued for his arrest!

Maybe Gen Udomdej Sitabutra will catch up with what's happening under his command today.....but should be sacked for incompetence!

Edited June 2, 2015 by BSJ

[canuckamuck]

One thing is clear, some slavery and trafficking is being exposed, and that is a good thing. A year ago all mention of trafficking and slave camps were quickly brushed off. This year it is in the news daily.

Of all the faults of the power brokers, at least one good result has taken root.

[geriatrickid]

they tried to protect him, tried to cover it up, but when they couldn't they threw him under the bus (where he should be I grant you)

He wasn't tossed under a bus. He was caught by the RTP once the dead bodies started to pile up, The RTP deserve a lot of credit for not folding to the pressure of the army and of carrying through on their investigation. The foreign governments who forced the issue deserve credit too as this matter would have been ignored if only the Chinese and Russian and Indian opinions were taken into consideration.

that's my point, they tried to protect him, they DENIED any Army involvement and when the pressure was too much under the bus he went

yes the foreign governments deserve all the credit and the matter, as you say, would have been ignored (covered up)

[tx22cb]

"an operation - code named Operation Centre for Patrol and Humanitarian Assistance to Irregular Migrants in the Indian Ocean"

1) hardly a "code name" if it spells out what the operation is meant to do

2) and definitely not as catchy as Desert Storm nor Overlord

[aussieinthailand]

But But didn't the army, the very top of the army assure that no military officers were involved.

However this seems to be a police generated investigation which might explain a lot. Seems the children will never be likely to play nicely.

so you would rather they just cover it up then you wouldn't be posting this garbage

I personally would prefer they arrest this person and charge him and that you remain silent as you really have never had anything constructive to say on here, my evidence is the above post

and by the way - children were playing nicely and happy at a local market in Trat until red terrorist low life thugs decided to present them with a grenade and murder them - can you honestly live with that

Is There really is something wrong with you, or is it that you have a problem with reading and comprehension, or your yellow glasses are blinding you to the truth?

The military has often denied any involvement in H/T (slavery) ie Reuters report and the Navy's threat of a law suit against a small Phuket news media for posting the article, but leaving Reuters out cause they are to big a fish to try to threaten and stand over, DO YOU remember that little nut???

but it keeps getting caught out via outside investigations rather than internal investigations which is what NKK is basically saying

It seems the military have a real problem with admitting the truth, that some of their boys ARE very much involved in this sickening trade in human suffering and you as well don't like the truth when it's staring you in the face.

I would suggest that most of the military boys are good people but many are caught between a rock and a hard place when faced with this, KEEP your mouth shut or suffer the consequents!!!, just as many BIB are in the same position.

But I'm happy some progress is being made regardless of who is involved and that appropriate action taken regardless of affiliation with any group.

Go back too your bar stool mate the adults are talking............

Edited June 2, 2015 by aussieinthailand

[diehard60]

I just love this - "between November 2102 and May this year."

So that now makes me 159 years old. OH MY GOD!!!!!!!

[Estrada]

Lt. Gen. Manas Kongpan was identified by the Pattani Provincial Court for the Kru Se Mosque killings in November 2006. Not only was he never arrested, fired or tried, he was promoted to Head of the ISOC in Ranong. The ISOC was previously the CSOC (Communist Security Operation Command) that is famous for burning countless communist suspects in Red Oil Drums with petrol in the '70s. In 2007 he ordered Rohingya boats to be pushed back out to sea which received worldwide TV coverage. Yet it seems that now he is suspected of being behind the people trafficking since that time. Based on past history, he is more likely to end up with another promotion than any conviction for the current atrocities that have occurred under his watch.

[Emster23]

"Army man sought for trafficking of Rohingya in South"

At first glance, I thought it was a "help wanted" advert....