Thaksin Aide Link To Kidnap Of Somchai

[Jai Dee]

Permanent-Secretary for Justice Charan says the missing Muslim lawyer case is difficult to conclude

The Permanent-Secretary for Justice, Mr. Charan Pakdeetanakul (จรัญ ภักดีธนากุล), has admitted that the case of missing Muslim lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit (สมชาย นีละไพจิตร) is difficult to find a conclusion, but it has progressed nonetheless.

As three years went by, evidences related to the case are difficult to gather. However, an investigation team is still working hard to find more clues and information. In addition, the bandits are considered as professionals, and so it is not easy to deal with such a tough case. He further added that the depth information of this missing lawyer case could not be revealed publicly yet.

He has finally pledged that whether any officials have been involved in the case or not, the case would be judged fairly and transparently, and all involved culprits must be punished.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 November 2006

[sriracha john]

the search continues...

Remains are not those of missing lawyer

The first three bones forensic teams examined do not belong to the missing lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit, Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS) acting-director, Porntip Rojanasunan said. According to Khunying Porntip, the bones were found at a dump site in Muang district, Ratchaburi Province, the place where Somchai's body was believed to be set on fire more than two and a half years ago. Khunying Porntip said the DNA test results of the bones did not match that of Chanchai Neelapaijit, brother of the missing lawyer. The forensic expert, however, still has hope as her team has not yet tested 20 other bones found at the site. Khunying Porntip said the team will continue to match DNA of the three bones with other missing people cases. She urged the public who have missing family members to contact the CIFS, as these

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=114450

Edited November 24, 2006 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

UPDATE

sadly, the case trudges on...

Bone DNA 'not a match with lawyer'

DNA extracted from a bone fragment - retrieved from the Mae Klong River in Ratchaburi's Ban Pong district last March - was initially found to not belong to the missing Muslim lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit, a senior official said yesterday.

Pornthip Rojanasunan, acting director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS), said CIFS officials had compared the DNA extracted from one of three bone fragments with the DNA of Somchai's younger brother, but it was not a match.

Officials would have to wait for the DNA test results of the other two bones that should be released within this week, she said.

Officials took a blood sample from Somchai's elder sister for further comparison on Monday.

As for the Department of Special Investigation's progress on Somchai's case, officers continue to summon witnesses in order to gather environmental evidence to make the case as complete as possible, a source said.

They will also wait for the DNA test results for all three bone pieces and, if the DNA matches those of Somchai's, the officers would hold a meeting, the source added.

- The Nation

[Tony Clifton]

They dug up a dump, found human bones, looked in a river, found human bones again. Not very reassuring with a batting average like that, little scary actually.

[sriracha john]

UPDATE

CRIME POLICE PROBE INTO SOMCHAI DISAPPEARANCE

Thanee made new top investigator

Royal Thai Police legal expert Thanee Somboonsap has been appointed new chief investigator into the case involving the disappearance of Muslim human rights lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit. Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general Sunai Manomai-udom said progress could be expected under Pol Lt-Gen Thanee's supervision as he was the right man for the job. The Somchai case was previously under the supervision of former DSI chief Sombat Amornwiwat, who was ordered off the case after severe criticism for failing to work effectively on it. Pol Gen Sombat, known to be close to deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was transferred to the Royal Thai Police after the Sept 19 coup d'etat. Angkhana Neelaphaijit, wife of the missing lawyer, hailed the change.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/27Jan2007_news08.php

Edited January 27, 2007 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

DSI discusses with head of investigative team concerning disappearance of Somchai Neelapaichit

The DSI director-general said that the head of the investigation into the disappearance of Attornery Somchai has found a team of investigators to tackle the case.

The newly appointed director-general of the department of special investigations, Mr. Sunai Manomai-adul (สุนัย มโนมัยอุดม) has entered his first day of duty. Mr. Sunai conducted a meeting to discuss serving the community through a moralistic and supportive system.

The director-general also asked Pol Lt Gen Thanee Somboonsup (ธานี สมบูรณ์ทรัพย), a forensic science expert from the Royal Thai Police, to consider an appointment to head the investigative unit working on the disappearance of Attorney Somchai Neelapaichit (สมชาย นีละไพจิตร). Pol Lt Gen Thanee is reported to have already prepared a team of investigators to tackle the case, with first priority going to locating the body of Attorney Somchai.

Pol Lt Gen Thanee said that he needed to review case reports before formulating a strategy, but would attempt to resolve the case in a prompt manner.

Meanwhile Attorney Somchai's wife Mrs. Angkana Neelapaichit (อังคณา นีละไพจิตร) said that she had received police reports on the discovery of 3 bone fragments in the Mae Klong (แม่กลอง) River which were later found to not belong to her missing husband.

Mrs. Angkana believes that Pol Lt Gen Thanee was a suitable candidate for the head of the case's investigative team.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 January 2007

[sriracha john]

UPDATE....his widow tells the UN she wants Thaksin's testimony

Missing lawyer's wife: Thaksin should testify

Angkhana makes call at UN rights meeting

The wife of missing Muslim lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit wants former PM Thaksin Shinawatra to testify as a witness in the case of her husband's mysterious disappearance. The current Samak government and the DSI should make more sincere efforts to bring all wrongdoers in the case to justice including high-ranking police officers, said Angkhana Neelaphaijit yesterday. "I strongly believe the success of the case is determined by the sincerity of the government and the effectiveness of the DSI. Of particular concern is the fact that Pol Gen Sombat Amornwiwat, who was the former supervisor of the five accused persons standing trial in the case before, is now an Adviser of the Ministry of Justice,'' Mrs Angkhana told the United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva yesterday. The Council's Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances has been investigating Mr Somchai's disappearance since 2004. Mrs Angkhana is chairperson of the Working Group on Justice for Peace. She said Thaksin's testimony is important since a close colleague of the former prime minister was reported to have approached the Government Identification Information Centre to search for information about Mr Somchai and a picture of him. According to her, Thaksin told the media on Jan 13, 2006, the day after the first court gave its verdict on five police officers accused of involvement in Mr Somchai's disappearance, that he knew "that Somchai has passed away because evidence suggests so." That should suggest he must have had enough evidence, she said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/13Mar2008_news14.php

[judgedredd]

Good source for an international view point on the story - -

http://www.upiasiaonline.com/Human_Rights/2008/03/06/no_justice_for_disappeared_thai_lawyer/2381/

[Samuian]

Amazing Toxinland....and the story continues...

[sriracha john]

Missing Lawyer Somchai

Angkhana Neelaphaichit delivered a statement at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on the fourth anniversary of the disappearance of her husband, Somchai, on Wednesday:

While this statement is read, I am at the United Nations' Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Switzerland, to present a report on the human rights situation in Thailand and also to report on the latest developments and obstacles in the investigation of the disappearance of Mr Somchai Neelapaichit, which was taken up by the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (UNWGED) four years ago.

The first trial implicating five police officers in the disappearance of Somchai Neelapaichit, who were charged with coercion and robbery, ended two years ago and the First Court's verdict stated that there was a police officer together with another three to five persons who forced Somchai into a car before he disappeared on March 12, 2004.

This court case is now under the consideration of the Court of Appeal. The Department of Special Investigations has been in charge of investigating the case and pressing further charges. In addition, the DSI has requested that the Office of the National Counter Corruption Commission investigate police officers who were allegedly torturing Somchai's clients in January 2004.

It is believed that Somchai was abducted because of his complaint against the torture allegations.

The present government of Samak Sundaravej sacked Mr Sunai Manomai-udom and appointed Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong as acting Director of the Department of Special Investigations, and Police General Sombat Amornwiwat as an Advisor to the Ministry of Justice. Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong stated in an interview to the media that he will give priority to the Somchai Neelapaichit case.

In commemoration of Somchai's disappearance four years ago, I would like to make the following appeal to the Thai government and the DSI:

1. To request that the Thai government and the DSI be sincere in bringing justice to this case and prosecuting the wrongdoers, including high-ranking police officers, as it is my belief that his enforced disappearance is a heinous crime against humanity.

2. To request that the DSI be courageous and to call Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand, to give testimony as a witness in this case. Information has been received that a close colleague of Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra went to search for information and a picture of Mr Somchai Neelapaichit at the Government Identification Information Centre. In addition, Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin, himself, stated in an interview to all media on January 13, 2006, the day after the verdict of the First Court, that he knows "that Somchai has passed away because evidence suggests so.

As Thaksin was prime minister at that time, this interview must be credible and he must have had enough evidence before saying this.

3. Contained in the verdict of the First Court, the testimony of a plaintiff witness reveals that ..."Police Major General Krisada Phankongchuen received information from Police Lieutenant Colonel Wannaphong Kotcharath that Police Lieutenant Colonel Charnchai Likhitkhanthasorn had met with a known group of people in front of the Crime Suppression Unit, who informed him that they were going to abduct a corrupt lawyer. Later, Police Lieutenant Colonel Charnchai informed Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong about this information..."

Therefore, Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, who is now the acting Director of the DSI, has the responsibility to clarify whether he knew of Somchai Neelapaichit's disappearance.

4. To request that the DSI be very careful in this case and to try to compile strong evidence so that the wrongdoers will be prosecuted. The DSI should not hurry to pursue the case in court without relevant and strong evidence. A lack of strong evidence means that the real culprits will not be prosecuted, or that innocent people will be punished for crimes they did not commit.

5. To request that the Thai government ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, in order to guarantee the safety and protection of everyone from enforced disappearance.

I strongly believe that the success of the Somchai Neelapaichit case will be determined by the sincerity of the government and the effectiveness of the DSI. Of particular concern is the fact that Police General Sombat Amornwiwat, who was the former supervisor of the five accused persons standing trial in the case before, is now an advisor to the Ministry of Justice. "At the same time, I would like to give my support to every officer who works under the rule of law and tries to bring to justice those people who have either committed crimes or give shelter to human rights violators.

Lastly, I would like to thank my Thai sisters and brothers who continue to give warm support while facing these obstacles to justice.

I and my family are constantly receiving friendship from various people in society. This gives me the strength to keep fighting for justice.

Thank you.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Thailand: Wife Of Missing Muslim Human Rights Lawyer Wants Ousted Thai PM Thaksin To Testify

BANGKOK, THAILAND: The wife of a missing Muslim human rights lawyer urged Thai authorities Wednesday to have former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra testify on her husband's disappearance and presumed murder four years ago.

Angkhana Neelaphaijit's plea to learn the fate of her spouse Somchai was made in a statement marking the anniversary of his disappearance, and was released on her behalf by the Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission.

Before his disappearance on March 12, 2004, Somchai had been defending Muslims charged with treason and claimed police had tortured suspected insurgents.

Colleagues and officials have said they believed he was killed.

Five police officers were tried in 2006 for abducting him. Four were acquitted and one was found guilty and sentenced to three years' imprisonment, but was appealing the verdict.

Human rights groups and Muslim activists say police kidnapped and killed Somchai because they were angered by his outspoken criticism of harsh police and military tactics in the south.

The government has been battling a deadly Muslim separatist insurgency in Thailand's three southernmost provinces since early 2004. At least 2,900 people have died in the violence.

Angkhana, also a human rights activist, recalled how Thaksin said in 2006 that evidence suggested Somchai was dead.

"As Thaksin was prime minister at that time, this interview must be credible and he must have had enough evidence before saying this," she said in Geneva.

She called on the case's investigative team to be "courageous."

Angkhana presented a report on the investigation into her husband's disappearance and the general human rights situation in Thailand at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, the Hong Kong human rights group said.

- Associated Press

[sriracha john]

Missing Muslim Lawyer's Wife Urge New Government to Speed up Case

The wife of a missing Muslim lawyer has put her hope in the Democrat-led government to resolve the case of the disappearance of her husband.

Angkhana Neelapaijit, wife of former Chairman of the Muslim Lawyer Association, Somchai Neelapaijit, has prepared to visit Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the new Justice Minister to ask for their policies on the case of the disappearance of her husband and the violation of human rights.

Angkhana hopes the Democrat-led government will be able to resolve the case of the disappearance of Somchai, as she believes the Democrat public administration will be based on the principle of good governance.

Somchai Neelapaijiet went missing in March of 2004 after he helped a number of southern border Muslims through the rebel cases. He is believed to have been kidnapped and killed.

Angkhana has spent nearly five years seeking justice for her husband from state agencies and social networks.

Six police officers have been subsequently charged with the detention of Somchai.

One of them, Police Major Ngeon Thongsuk, was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Court, but the case against accused Police Lieutenant Chatchai Ngiem-sanguan was dismissed.

Meanwhile, cases against the four remaining suspected officers are still under the hearing process of the Criminal Court.

- TOC / 2008-12-18

[MyphuketLife]

Missing Muslim Lawyer's Wife Urge New Government to Speed up Case

The wife of a missing Muslim lawyer has put her hope in the Democrat-led government to resolve the case of the disappearance of her husband.

Angkhana Neelapaijit, wife of former Chairman of the Muslim Lawyer Association, Somchai Neelapaijit, has prepared to visit Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the new Justice Minister to ask for their policies on the case of the disappearance of her husband and the violation of human rights.

Angkhana hopes the Democrat-led government will be able to resolve the case of the disappearance of Somchai, as she believes the Democrat public administration will be based on the principle of good governance.

Somchai Neelapaijiet went missing in March of 2004 after he helped a number of southern border Muslims through the rebel cases. He is believed to have been kidnapped and killed.

Angkhana has spent nearly five years seeking justice for her husband from state agencies and social networks.

Six police officers have been subsequently charged with the detention of Somchai.

One of them, Police Major Ngeon Thongsuk, was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Court, but the case against accused Police Lieutenant Chatchai Ngiem-sanguan was dismissed.

Meanwhile, cases against the four remaining suspected officers are still under the hearing process of the Criminal Court.

- TOC / 2008-12-18

I really feel for the wife, in her mind she has to know he is dead, but since they can't find the body I am sure part of her wants to believe he is alive.... I really feel sorry for her.

[brahmburgers]

Missing Muslim Lawyer's Wife Urge New Government to Speed up Case

The wife of a missing Muslim lawyer has put her hope in the Democrat-led government to resolve the case of the disappearance of her husband.

Angkhana Neelapaijit, wife of former Chairman of the Muslim Lawyer Association, Somchai Neelapaijit, has prepared to visit Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the new Justice Minister to ask for their policies on the case of the disappearance of her husband and the violation of human rights.

Angkhana hopes the Democrat-led government will be able to resolve the case of the disappearance of Somchai, as she believes the Democrat public administration will be based on the principle of good governance.

Somchai Neelapaijiet went missing in March of 2004 after he helped a number of southern border Muslims through the rebel cases. He is believed to have been kidnapped and killed.

Angkhana has spent nearly five years seeking justice for her husband from state agencies and social networks.

Six police officers have been subsequently charged with the detention of Somchai.

One of them, Police Major Ngeon Thongsuk, was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Court, but the case against accused Police Lieutenant Chatchai Ngiem-sanguan was dismissed.

Meanwhile, cases against the four remaining suspected officers are still under the hearing process of the Criminal Court.

- TOC / 2008-12-18

I really feel for the wife, in her mind she has to know he is dead, but since they can't find the body I am sure part of her wants to believe he is alive.... I really feel sorry for her.

I admire her perserverance. An ordinary Thai would have accepted hush-money long ago - similar to the policeman's wife who hushed up after her husband was shot in a nightclub by Chalerm's youngest son.

Edited December 19, 2008 by brahmburgers

[ThNiner]

This case is another extremely tragic example of why the sooner we can completely get rid of Thaksin's "democracy", the better Thailand will be.

[jdinasia]

Now why is it that this case just doesn't get more ongoing attention?

[ThNiner]

Now why is it that this case just doesn't get more ongoing attention?

Hopefully, with the new gov't in charge, it will soon. It's been stone-walled for a while when "democratically elected and democratic loving" gov't was in power.

[sriracha john]

The Prime Minister last Wednesday ordered Deputy National Police Chief Thanee Somboonsap and Assistant Police Chief Aswin Kwanmuang to double their efforts in cracking four high-profile crime cases, including the disappearance of human rights lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit in 2004. Police General Thanee yesterday admitted police involvement in the disappearance of Mr Somchai was obstructing the investigation. Police have been unable to recover the body or trace the whereabouts of the lawyer. On the disappearance of Police Major Ngern Thongsuk, a key defendant in the Somchai case, Police General Thanee said it could not be assumed the officer was dead since his body had not been found. Police are still searching for him. Police Major Ngern and a relative, Naruechai Chinwannarat, disappeared in a mudslide on Sept 19, 2008, while they were supervising the construction of a reservoir. Naruechai's body was retrieved but Police Major Ngern is unaccounted for. Police General Thanee was confident the investigation would make some progress due to a change of government.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1360...mpt-on-american

[ThNiner]

In the latest Thaksin's phone-in, he basically equated himself to Nelson Mandela. It made me wonder how Nelson Mandela would feel, if he heard it. Ughh.

[unforgiven]

Thaksin aide link to kidnap of Somchai

Person close to former PM phoned key policeman on night of abduction

Army chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin yesterday linked prominent Muslim lawyer Somchai Neelaphai-jit's disappearance to people close to ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The dramatic revelation sparked new hope that the missing lawyer's family might finally see justice.

"I have received information from investigators that some individuals close to former prime minister Thaksin were behind the disappearance of Somchai," Sonthi told reporters yesterday.

The junta chief, who led a coup to topple Thaksin six weeks ago, declined to give further details or identify any of the individuals allegedly involved.

Somchai's wife Angkhana Neelaphaijit said the information might be the same as what she had known for a long time. It indicated that a person from the Prime Minister's Office made several phone calls to one of five police allegedly involved in the abduction of her husband on March 12, 2004, she said.

Police Lt-Colonel Chatchai Liumsanguan, Police Lt-Col Sinchai Nimpunyakhamphong, Sergeant Chaiyaweng Phaduang, Corporal Randorn Sithikhet and Pol Major Ngern Thongsuk were only charged with illegal detention in connection with Somchai's disappearance.

Only Pol Major Ngern, of the Crime Suppression Bureau, was jailed - for three years - after a trial. Three of seven eyewitnesses who testified in court said they had seen Ngern forcibly push Somchai into a car.

Investigators have reportedly never found any evidence or information to link the five police with any other individuals believed to have close connections to Thaksin, Angkhana said.

"I don't know why officials have sat on the information for so long time and never brought it to the court to pin down any suspects," Angkhana said in a phone interview.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) was instructed last year to carry on with the case to bring more wrongdoers to justice.

But the department had made little progress, until Sonthi instructed embattled DSI chief Pol Gen Sombat Amornwiwat to speed up the probe and report on its latest findings.

DSI investigators admitted they had found no solid evidence to make a clear case or take any other suspects into custody, said Angkhana, who met the team last week.

But Sonthi's hint might help steer inquiries in the right direction, she said, adding that the coup leader's move gave her hope.

DSI spokesman Col Piyawat Kingket said the department would contact Sonthi to obtain more information about the disappearance, because existing evidence provided no links to people close to Thaksin or leads to the possible arrest of any suspects, he said.

An informed source said an individual at Government House had several phone conversations with one of the five police officers, who was heading from Bangkok to the western province of Ratchaburi, from 8.30pm on the night Somchai was abducted.

The former prime minister Thaksin told Angkana in a private meeting last year that her husband was dead and that some government officials were involved. He later instructed the DSI to continue looking into the case.

Aran Pancharoen, a colleague of Somchai from the Muslim Lawyers Association, called for the authorities to overhaul the investigation team in order to make real progress.

Investigators had to be independent and free from possible interference by influential figures, otherwise they could be blocked from gathering the truth, Aran said.

Somchai was the former chairman of the Muslim Lawyers Association. He defended many Muslim suspects accused of violence in the restive South.

He went missing after publicly revealing that police had tortured his clients. The disclosure caused a huge loss of face for the police and was believed to be the key motive for his abduction.

The Nation

It's good to see thaksins can of worms come to light.......................march forward thai people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hammered]

In the latest Thaksin's phone-in, he basically equated himself to Nelson Mandela. It made me wonder how Nelson Mandela would feel, if he heard it. Ughh.

His phone in are getting increasingly bizarre. They must be claose to the point where the authorities actually want him to make them now.

[hammered]

Justice minister to inspect bones possibly belong to missing lawyer

From the nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/02/07...al_30095218.php

[sriracha john]

Justice minister to inspect bones possibly belong to missing lawyer

Justice Minister Peerapan Saleeratawipak will go to Ratchaburi this afternoon to inspect pieces of bones, suspected to belong to missing human rights lawyer, Somchai Neelapaijit.

The minister will be accompanied by senior police who were in charge of the investigation on the missing of Somchai. They will board a helicopter to Panurangsri army camp where the bones were kept.

The bones and some nails were found recently in Ratchaburi. Police believed Somchai was taken from Bangkok to the province in 2004.

If the bones are human, they will be sent for DNA testing to see if there is a match with Somchai.

Somchai, a prominent lawyer, went missing on March 12, 2004 after he disclosed police mistreatment of his clients who were accused of being involved in a raid on a military camp in Narathiwat in which four soldiers were killed and more than 300 weapons stolen.

Somchai's case is among high-profile but unsolved cases that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva instructed police to solve to shore up confidence in the rule of law."I want law enforcement authorities to quickly resolve cold [long term unsolved]cases with consequences on human rights and violence in the deep South so as to stop the problems from festering," Abhisit said.

He said his government would fully back the investigative proceedings in order to uphold the law. The country's reputation will be mired so long as the cases remain unresolved, he said.

- The Nation / 2009-02-07

[blaze]

He said his government would fully back the investigative proceedings in order to uphold the law. The country's reputation will be mired so long as the cases remain unresolved, he said.

- The Nation / 2009-02-07

While this case - as with all other unsolved murders in Thailand needs a thorough investigation, to the extent that the international community is paying attention to Thailand- this case pales in significance when compared with some other events that have grabbed headlines over the last three years.

[somchai69]

BUT I am alive and well, living a wonderful life....................

[sriracha john]

Test result of bones possibly belonging to missing lawyer expected this week

The result of DNA tests on pieces of bones found in Ratchaburi, which were suspected to belong to missing human-rights lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit, would come out in five days, Justice Minister Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga said yesterday.

Pirapan along with senior police officers in charge of investigating the case boarded a helicopter at 3pm to the Panurangsri army camp to inspect the bones. He visited Army Region 6's Khao Luang explosives dump, where the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and forensic officials found bone pieces and burnt nails.

Forensic expert Porntip Rojanasunan reported that the burnt nails showed they were set alight by gasoline. They matched another set of nails and bones found in Mae Klong River.

Pirapan then went to the pier at Reun Phae Restaurant, where a fertiliser sack with a skull, arm and leg bones, and some more burnt nails were retrieved. He said the pace of the investigation would increase as more evidence came in, but it would take five days to confirm if the bones belonged to Somchai.

A source at the DSI said they initially found that the bones from the explosives dump and the fertiliser sack had the same DNA.

Somchai's wife Angkhana Neelapaijit, who went to observe the DSI work in Ratchaburi, said that she expected concrete answers soon regarding her husband's disappearance, provided the DSI worked independently.

She commented that the investigation into her husband's disappearance was delayed due to political interference. She urged Pirapan to implement measures to ensure justice for civilians who had a conflict with state officials and to ensure the safety of witnesses so they dare to speak out.

Angkhana also urged the DSI to order Thaksin Shinawatra - whose administration carried out the war on drugs resulting in many people missing - to testify as a witness because Thaksin had once told the media that Somchai had died, indicating that the former premier might have some useful information.

Somchai, a prominent lawyer, went missing on March 12, 2004, after he disclosed police mistreatment of his clients, who were accused of being involved in a raid on a military camp in Narathiwat in which four soldiers were killed and more than 300 weapons stolen. Suspicions abound that he was abducted in Bangkok and taken to Ratchaburi.

Somchai's case is among a number of high-profile cases that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva instructed police to solve to shore up confidence in the rule of law.

- The Nation / 2009-02-08

Edited February 7, 2009 by sriracha john

[plachon]

Odd how this case stagnated under the regimes of PM Samak and Somchai (not). Let's hope the mystery of this mans disappearance is solved soon and his wife can find closure on what happened while the real perpetrators (at the very top) are exposed. It's way overdue.

[brahmburgers]

The Prime Minister last Wednesday ordered Deputy National Police Chief Thanee Somboonsap and Assistant Police Chief Aswin Kwanmuang to double their efforts in cracking four high-profile crime cases, including the disappearance of human rights lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit in 2004. Police General Thanee yesterday admitted police involvement in the disappearance of Mr Somchai was obstructing the investigation. Police have been unable to recover the body or trace the whereabouts of the lawyer. On the disappearance of Police Major Ngern Thongsuk, a key defendant in the Somchai case, Police General Thanee said it could not be assumed the officer was dead since his body had not been found. Police are still searching for him. Police Major Ngern and a relative, Naruechai Chinwannarat, disappeared in a mudslide on Sept 19, 2008, while they were supervising the construction of a reservoir. Naruechai's body was retrieved but Police Major Ngern is unaccounted for. Police General Thanee was confident the investigation would make some progress due to a change of government.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1360...mpt-on-american

In my little world, I've had Thai people 'disappear' (read: clandestinely relocate to some far away region of Thailand) when they've owed me money or otherwise cheated me. Granted, my travails are nothing when compared to those of Somchai's wife. I hope for her and her child's sake, plus for all Thais who give a hoot about justice, that Thai authorities bring the alleged murderers to trial. It's a black blot on Thailand's international reputation - to have the appearance of a gov't complicit in a murder - particularly of an attorney who was going about his work. The standing gov't should find out which defendants are still alive, which have faked their deaths and/or are hiding, and bring this to a just close.

[sriracha john]

Odd how this case stagnated under the regimes of PM Samak and Somchai

PM gives Somchai case pledge

Abhisit Vejjajiva has promised to wrap up the case of disappeared human rights lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit during his government's term in office. The PM said yesterday considerable progress had been made and further investigations were continuing. Mr Abhisit received a briefing on the case yesterday from Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, Director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science. He said the investigation would proceed without delay and officials at all levels would work together. Previous governments gave the "signal" to officials to shelve the case, obstructing their investigations, Mr Abhisit said. But the way was now clear for them to press ahead. Investigators are looking at new evidence which may be linked to the death of the missing lawyer. Bone fragments were found recently at two sites in Ratchaburi's Muang district - a military-owned bomb disposal area and near a bridge across the Mae Klong river. The river site has been inspected three times in the past five years as part of the investigation into Mr Somchai's disappearance. It is believed his body was broken up and his remains thrown into the river.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1130...hai-case-pledge

[stumonster]

is there a link - is someone getting twitchy ?

February 08, 2009 15:03 PM

Thai Soldiers Raid Human Rights Group Office In Pattani

By D. Arul Rajoo

BANGKOK, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Thai security forces raided the office of the Working Group on Justice for Peace (WGJP) in Pattani early morning on Sunday amid warnings from the powerful Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) that southern Thai separatists may disguise themselves as human rights defenders.

WGJP chairman Angkhana Neelaphaijit said soldiers stormed the office at about 5am but did not arrest any of the volunteers who were asleep.

"When I asked the officer in charge of the raid (over the phone) if he had a search warrant, he said there was no need for one as it was conducted under the martial law.

"I contacted the Fourth Army Chief to show our displeasure and concern over the raid," she said when contacted.

Angkhana, wife of missing lawyer and human right defender Somchai Neelaphaijit, said the soldiers left three hours later after searching the premises, which serves as the base for WGJP to carry out fact-finding missions on the situation in the restive south.

full story - http://web7.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=388423