Former tourism chief indicted at Criminal Court



BANGKOK: -- Former Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Juthamas Siriwan was indicted at the Criminal Court on Tuesday on malfeasance charges allegedly for taking bribes from an American couple in exchange for awarding them a contract to manage Bangkok International Film Festival during 2003-2005.

Another alleged accomplice, Ms Chitsopha Siriwan, was also prosecuted with similar charges on the same day by the Office of the Attorney-General.

OAG spokesman Mr Wanchai Rujanawong said Wednesday that officials of the National Anti-Corruption Commission brought the two suspects to the OAG on Tuesday and they were eventually escorted to the Criminal Court where they were indicted.

According to the FBI affidavit, the former tourism governor took about 50 million baht in bribe from Mr Gerald Green and his wife, Mrs Patricia, in exchange for a contract to manage the Bangkok International Film Festival during 2003-2005.

Mrs Juthamas however denied the charges.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/former-tourism-chief-indicted-at-criminal-court


-- Thai PBS 2015-08-27

The windmills of justice in Thailand turn ever so slowly, dozen of years and more after the did was done,

meanwhile evidences get misplaces, witness died, disappear or simply forget what happened so

many years ago, and when punishment has been matted out, the defended are allowed few more years

on bail for the appeal process, even on murder charges.... it pays to be a criminal in Thailand.....

Former Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Juthamas Siriwan was indicted at the Criminal Court on Tuesday on malfeasance charges

Another alleged accomplice, Ms Chitsopha Siriwan, was also prosecuted with similar charges on the same day by the Office of the Attorney-General.

The co-conspirator named is Thaksin-appointed Juthamas's daughter.

Good to hear the case is finally coming to court.

Till you actualy see them in jail. Do not believe anything. T.I.T.

The Greens were found guilty of bribery and tax offenses,

paying Juthamas and her daughter 1.8 million dollars,in

September 2009.

Why has it taken so long to bring the alleged receiver of

the bribes to trial,and will they also be charged with tax

offenses,as I am sure the bribe was never declared.

It would be fitting for someone,who thought they were

above the law,to get a long prison sentence,a few more

been brought to book for corruption and things may start

to change.

regards Worgeordie

http://blogs.wsj.com/corruption-currents/2012/08/01/us-struggles-to-extradite-thai-official/

U.S. District Judge George Wu ruled in early February that the case be delayed until July 30. But prosecutors said in last week’s filing that the July 30 hearing was no longer necessary due to the lack of a response from Thailand.

Seems like the current government is finally doing something about this.

Are they even in-country? Juthamas was given 15 days to report. Did she?

http://blogs.wsj.com/corruption-currents/2012/08/01/us-struggles-to-extradite-thai-official/

U.S. District Judge George Wu ruled in early February that the case be delayed until July 30. But prosecutors said in last week’s filing that the July 30 hearing was no longer necessary due to the lack of a response from Thailand.

Seems like the current government is finally doing something about this.

Are you sure the real charges were that the TAT tourist numbers he provided were to low?

The Greens were found guilty of bribery and tax offenses,

paying Juthamas and her daughter 1.8 million dollars,in

September 2009.

Why has it taken so long to bring the alleged receiver of

the bribes to trial,and will they also be charged with tax

offenses,as I am sure the bribe was never declared.

It would be fitting for someone,who thought they were

above the law,to get a long prison sentence,a few more

been brought to book for corruption and things may start

to change.

regards Worgeordie

Problem in Thailand is, even if ruled guilty and sentenced, they can hire a proxy to serve the time in the pokey.

The Greens were found guilty of bribery and tax offenses,

paying Juthamas and her daughter 1.8 million dollars,in

September 2009.

Why has it taken so long to bring the alleged receiver of

the bribes to trial,and will they also be charged with tax

offenses,as I am sure the bribe was never declared.

It would be fitting for someone,who thought they were

above the law,to get a long prison sentence,a few more

been brought to book for corruption and things may start

to change.

regards Worgeordie

Problem in Thailand is, even if ruled guilty and sentenced, they can hire a proxy to serve the time in the pokey.

That's new to me, are you sure?

'accused and convicted' can lodge appeals and with the slow progress and delays it may take what seems like ages, but in the end the accused found guilty will go to jail, flee the country, or have spent sufficient time in jail in between to get pardoned or have served enough.