Thread: Italian-Thai boss charged with hunting in sanctuary

Originally Posted by misskit

Is it because of progress or lack of progress?

...both, I suspect...

For how many days did that old man living in the jungle who felled an already damaged tree get banged up after his initial arrest?

This country's hypocrisy and appallingly biased rule of law is truly third world.

Originally Posted by misskit

Is it because of progress

normally it is this - if someone looks like they are getting in a position to actually put the offender away and the bosses have been paid to make sure it does not happen - example the ko tao murders

this case looks like your normal maneuvering - charges will be laid so that they do not directly implicate the fat cnut and he will dodge it and throw a cambodian / issan peasant under the bus and thus it will be forgotten

Additional charges to be filed against Italian Thai CEO

BANGKOK, 8 March 2018 (NNT) – Thai police are to further charge Italian Thai Co Ltd CEO Premchai Karnasutra with jointly owning illegal elephant ivory and with violating the firearms act with his wife summoned to hear charges for possessing elephant ivory on March 14.

Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police, Pol Gen Sriwara Rangsiphramnakul, has followed up on charges of illegal possession of animal remnants after finding unregistered elephant ivory in the home registered in his name. He is also to be charged with violating the firearms act.

Premchai’s wife, Kanitta Karnasutra, and Wandee Sombhumi are also being charged with illegal possession of protected animal parts with Wandee being faulted for erroneously reporting the ivory was properly registered only for authorities to discover it was actually from an African elephant. All three are to hear the charges on March 14.

Pol Gen Sriwara assured the public that the case is being handled in a transparent and straight forward manner and said he is confident the Attorney General will put Premchai to trial. On observations he was overly courteous during a recent meeting with Premchai, the deputy police commander stated he always shows courtesy when meeting with others and was not providing the CEO with any special treatment.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, also responded to the observations, saying he has only seen Pol Gen Sriwara working with commitment.

The deputy police commander is to travel to Region 7 Police Headquarters today to follow up on investigations into Premchai before the additional charges are filed. The ivory confiscated in the case is to be forwarded to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.


National News Bureau Of Thailand | Additional charges to be filed against Italian Thai CEO

Premchai and wife to be charged with possession of ivories

BANGKOK, 9th March 2018 (NNT)- Ivory found at the home of construction tycoon, Premchai Karnasuta, who allegedly poached protected animals, is believed to have been obtained illegally.

A group of officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) recently traveled to the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division to inspect the ivory. Thiradej Palasuwan of the DNP assured reporters during an interview that the ivory had been taken from Premchai’s home. The two items will remain in DNP custody until the case against Premchai is resolved.

Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division Commander Pol Col Mongkol Pransungnern said today that the defendant claimed the ivory had been given to him by family members in the past and that it belonged to a domestic elephant. Despite Premchai’s claim, the inspection showed that the ivory tusks were those of an African elephant.

Following the discovery, Pol Col Mongkol has summoned both Premchai and his wife, who is the legal owner of the ivory, and those involved under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act B.E. 2535 to hear more charges regarding the possession of wild animal parts on March 14th.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/website_en...C6103090010060

Attempted bribery charge filed against Italian Thai CEO

BANGKOK, 9 March 2018 (NNT) – Police have filed an additional charge of attempted bribery against Italian Thai Co Ltd CEO Premchai Karnasutra, bringing his total charge count to 12 after being discovered in Tungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary with three others engaged in suspected illegal wildlife hunting.

Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police, Pol Gen Sriwara Rangsipramnakul, announced the charge after reviewing evidence collected by Counter Corruption Division Police. Premchai is to hear the latest accusation on March 14 alongside two other additional charges decided earlier; violation of the firearms act and illegal possession of elephant ivory.

The CEO is scheduled to leave the country on March 10. There are no court restrictions on his travels but the immigration bureau has been asked to review his itinerary. Pol Gen Sriwara said his departure will not affect ongoing proceedings against him, noting he has the right to delay his March 14 appearance.

Premchai filed an itinerary to travel by private jet from Don Muang Airport to Bangladesh. The flight is for four passengers and is to return the following day.


http://thainews.prd.go.th/website_en...C6103090010028

Originally Posted by misskit

The flight is for four passengers and is to return the following day

...I note the term "following day" did not specify earth days...

From Manager Weekly, March 3-9, 2018

Main cover reads: “Strange” like this [yellow] Pee See: can do.

Men in the picture from left to right: Premchai and Pol Gen Srivara

[Refers to Construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta who was caught allegedly hunting protected wildlife including a black panther and barking deer in a world heritage forest.

This case has received the public attention as the public does not trust the police to investigate this case as the rich and powerful never are subject to the same legal consequences as normal folk are.

This was underlined when a photo circulated of Deputy National Police Chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul greeting Premchai in an unusually polite manner when Premchai showed up at the police station.

“Pee” means elder brother or sister. “Si” mean color and a person with color refers to a person in uniform, mostly meaning police and soldiers. This suggests a cozy relationship which will protect a tycoon like Premchai from any legal consequences.]

2Bangkok.com | Almost Like Being There

RTP chief has confidence in Pol Gen Srivara in wildlife hunting case

BANGKOK, 11th March 2018 (NNT) - Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda has expressed his confidence in the ability of Pol Gen Srivara Rangsibrahmanakul to handle the illegal wildlife hunting case involving president of Italian-Thai Development plc (ITD) Premchai Karnasuta, amidst criticism from some observers.

Pol Gen Chakthip confirmed there was no plan to replace the police officers in charge of the case, saying deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Srivara would remain the team’s supervisor. His statement came in response to an explanation released on social media by Kanita Ouitavon, chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation’s forensic unit, which has raised public concerns about the investigative system.

Pol Gen Chakthip said it was normal for the police and the DNP to deal with cases differently, which might have caused misunderstanding on the DNP’s part. The national police chief added that his deputy updates him on the progress of the probe regularly. Pol Gen Chakthip added Pol Gen Srivara could sue those who had distorted information on the case and spread it on social media, to protect his rights.


National News Bureau Of Thailand | RTP chief has confidence in Pol Gen Srivara in wildlife hunting case

Case files on charges against Italian Thai CEO submitted

KANCHANABURI, 14th March 2018 (NNT) – Police have submitted concluded case files on nine charges against Italian Thai Co Ltd CEO Premchai Karnasutra, after he was found allegedly hunting protected wildlife in a Thai national sanctuary, to the Attorney General’s Thong Pha Phum Office, with the executive to hear three more charges today.

Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police, Pol Gen Sriwara Rangsiphramnakul inspected the case files at Thong Pha Phum Police Station in Kanchanaburi before they were forwarded to the Attorney General. He disclosed that case files on nine charges were concluded for submission with some additional information from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to follow. The nine files total 857 pages with 225 pieces of evidence and testimonies from 51 witnesses.

The files were received by Region 7 Attorney General’s Office Director Somsri Wattanapaisal, who explained that a working team is to be formed under Special Attorney Somjet Amnuaysawasd to review the files. She assured the public the process will be expedited for completion within Premchai’s detainment period and indicated if further evidence collection is needed investigators will be contacted.

Deputy Commander of the Natural Environment Police Division, Pol Col Wacharin Phusit meanwhile said that Premchai has contacted him to hear charges of illegal possession of animal artifacts stemming from his ownership of elephant ivory, in addition to illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and attempted bribery of state agents. The suspect is to meet with Pol Gen Sriwara as well as Counter Corruption Police during the hearing.


http://thainews.prd.go.th/website_en...L6103140010007

Italian Thai CEO released on bail after hearing more charges

BANGKOK, 15th March 2018 (NNT) – Italian Thai Co Ltd CEO Premchai Karnasutra has heard three more charges stemming from his alleged illegal wildlife hunt and has been released on a bond of 300,000 baht and on the condition that he remain in the country.

The CEO heard the additional charges at the Natural Environment Police Division Headquarters. The charges are illegal possession of elephant ivory, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and attempted bribery of state agents.

Commander of the Natural Environment Police Division, Pol Maj Gen Panya Pinsuk noted that Premchai’s wife, Kanita Karnasutra, and the person who validated their ivory purchase, Wandee Sombhumi, also heard charges against them on a previous date.

Premchai has been told to explain the origins of his firearms as they were all found to be unregistered. He was also presented to the Criminal Court for a 12 day detainment period based on the ivory possession charge against him, the most severe of the three charges. However he was granted release on 300,000 baht bail but ordered to remain in the country. He remarked while leaving the court that he was feeling downtrodden as Thai society believes he committed the crime of illegally killing a Black Panther, proclaiming his innocence, and asking that the matter be left to the court.

National News Bureau Of Thailand | Italian Thai CEO released on bail after hearing more charges

Originally Posted by misskit

Premchai has been told to explain the origins of his firearms as they were all found to be unregistered

...obviously, he borrowed them from friends who, unfortunately, passed away before he could return them...

Originally Posted by misskit

He remarked while leaving the court that he was feeling downtrodden

...perhaps the purchase of a police department and a few judges would lift his spirits...

Seminar held on Black Panther slaying case

BANGKOK, 19 March 2018 (NNT) – Activists have continued to closely follow developments in the Black Panther hunting case, pressing for justice to be served.


A group, which has dubbed itself “T’Challa”, recently organized the seminar “How Does it End? The Black Panther Will Not Have Died for Nothing” at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center. Former member of the National Reform Commission, Ticha Na Nakorn, remarked at the gathering that continued legal work following the illegal hunting of a Black Panther in Tungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary is necessary and right, even if it may face obstacles. She stated her belief that, even if no one is prosecuted once the case concludes, Thai society will not allow the matter to be forgotten and are now invested in the issue.


Chairman of the Sueb Nakasathien Foundation, Sasin Chalermlap, revealed he had met with Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police, Pol Gen Sriwara Rangsipramnakul, who is handling the case, and asked for assurance that justice will be served. He said the high ranking officer gave him confidence that the case will be brought to its conclusion but acknowledged that identifying the exact date of the Black Panther’s killing will determine if fault can be found with Italian Thai Co Ltd CEO Premchai Karnasutra, who is the main suspect in the case.


Meanwhile, member of the Citizen’s for Police Reform Network, Pol Col Wirut Sirisawadibut, highlighted mistrust in the work of police among the Thai public, especially in cases involving affluent members of society. He said involvement by the attorney general will help bolster confidence.



National News Bureau Of Thailand | Seminar held on Black Panther slaying case

A bicyclist rides by a wall of a veterinary hospital in Lat Phrao Road in Bangkok, where artists spray-painted a mural of a black panther and other animals enjoying a “last supper” together, March 17, 2018.

the case will be brought to its conclusion but acknowledged that identifying the exact date of the Black Panther’s killing will determine if fault can be found with Italian Thai Co Ltd CEO Premchai Karnasutra, who is the main suspect in the case.


here we go....

Premchai, driver report to hear bribery charge

Tycoon Premchai Karnasuta and his driver Yong Dodkrua reported to Counter Corruption Division (CCD) police on Tuesday to acknowledge a charge of bribery in connection with their alleged poaching in Thungyai Naresuan wildlife sanctuary last month.


Wichian Chinnawong, head of the Kanchanaburi wildlife sanctuary and other rangers have provided CCD investigators with an audio recording of conversations with the two suspects deemed to constitute an attempt to bribe them.


An informed source said the investigators found the case against the two men to be convincing, which led to their being summonsed to answer the bribery charge.


Mr Premchai and Mr Yong appeared grim when they arrived at CCD headquarters on Wednesday morning with their lawyer. They refused to speak to reporters.



Mr Wichian, who led the team which arrested Mr Premchai and his three companions in the sanctuary on the night of Feb 4, accused the 63-year-old the president of Italian-Thai Development Plc of trying to bribe officials to let them go.


According to investigators, Mr Premchai offered to "give you anything you want" if they released him.
The four suspects have already been charged on nine counts relating to illegal hunting in the world heritage forest. They have denied all charges.


Mr Wichian’s team found them camped in a prohibited area and in possession of many wildlife carcasses, along with a black Indochinese leopard pelt. The leopard's meat and bones were also found in a stew pot.
A four-member team of prosecutors on Monday began examining the 857-page police investigation report, including witness statements and other evidence and will decide whether to take the case to court.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/cri...bribery-charge

Deputy Police Commander insists no special treatment being provided to Italian Thai CEO

BANGKOK, 20th March 2018 (NNT) – Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police Pol Gen Sriwara Rangsiphramnakul, who is leading investigations into Italian Thai Development Co Ltd CEO Premchai Karnasutra and other suspects accused of poaching offences, has assured the public that no special treatment or assistance is being provided to the business tycoon.

Pol Gen Sriwara expressed confidence ahead of a scheduled appearance by Premchai, his wife and others, to hear further charges, including attempted bribery of state agents, that they would show up as scheduled.

Premchai’s spouse, Kanit Karnasutra, and Wandee Sombhumi, who validated their purchase of elephant ivory, are being charged with illegally possessing animal remains and violating the protected animals act. Pol Gen Sriwara has committed to questioning the suspects himself.

A request has been submitted to the director-general of the Customs Department, for a probe into the Karnasutra family’s importation of elephant ivory into Thailand. The Department of Special Investigations has declined to take up the matter as a special case, saying it can be handled by police.

Firearms found at Premchai’s home, which have been tracked back to the United Kingdom, are also being checked for legality. The Ministry of Defense is taking part in the probe as there are suspicions the weapons are military issue.

Meanwhile, Pol Gen Sriwara says that Premchai has not attempted to seek special treatment or leniency and that no such concessions will be provided. He noted that forensic evidence in the case is strong and no use of influence can sway its progress. He thanked the Sueb Nakasathien Foundation for valuing the work of police and allowing them to work according to the law.


http://thainews.prd.go.th/website_en...L6103200010005

^

Meanwhile, Pol Gen Sriwara says that Premchai has not attempted to seek special treatment or leniency

Such as, offering a bribe?

OAG wants more evidence before pressing charges against Premchai

BANGKOK, 21 March 2018 (NNT) - Thailand's Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) has decided not to send the case against Italian Thai Co Ltd CEO Premchai Karnasutra to the court yet as more evidence is needed.

A team of OAG spokespersons and a prosecution panel responsible for examining a police investigation into Premchai’s alleged illegal poaching of wild animals revealed on Tuesday that certain matters needed to be clarified for the indictment to proceed.

The construction tycoon has denied all allegations.

Although the OAG did not reveal what those matters were, the spokesperson hinted that they were related to circumstantial evidence.

The investigation team is expected to conclude their findings no later than March 26th before the OAG decides whether to press 9 charges against Premchai.


National News Bureau Of Thailand | OAG wants more evidence before pressing charges against Premchai

what a fucking charade. the injustice in los is one of the worst things for me. so fucking blatant.

Originally Posted by misskit

circumstantial evidence.

Yep. We were just walking through the jungle, guv, and came across the corpse of an unfortunate wild animal. We stopped to say some prayers for it and console ourselves. Sad, guv, but totally true. Darn our bad luck. Can we go now?

Originally Posted by misskit

Although the OAG did not reveal what those matters were, the spokesperson hinted that they were related to circumstantial evidence.

No witnesses to the actual shooting, it's all circumstantial.
That the circumstances are beyond reasonable doubt has nothing to do with it. Leopard tail soup in the pot is a bit more than circumstantial though.

I suspect and hope in this instance it is not a matter of injustice but as the 'poacher' has the means to hire the best lawyers to defend against and pick to pieces any case that is not absolutely watertight the authorities are determined to present evidence to the court that is so strong that a conviction in guaranteed.

Whereas most poachers are local (poor) people with no means or friends in high places who when presented with the evidence we see in this case can offer no defense so it is possible to convict them quickly even get them to confess.

More and more charges are emerging against him and his family, bribery, possessing Ivory and submitting a false declaration as to where it came from, illegal occupation of land and even a civil suit to reclaim damages sustained to the sanctuary. He will be finished one way or another even if he avoids prison.