Thread: Italian-Thai boss charged with hunting in sanctuary

Groundbreaking poaching civil lawsuit puts monetary value on slain leopard

A CIVIL suit against Premchai Karnasuta, president of Italian-Thai Development Plc, for damaging the ecology and environment at Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary would be the first of its kind, if prosecutors decide to pursue the case.

Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, chief of the Phaya Sua, or “King Tiger”, wildlife crimes taskforce, made the assertion after meeting with police investigators who were collecting evidence regarding a case against Premchai for a civil suit.


Prosecutors have recommended that police gather evidence to seek compensation from Premchai, who faces various charges relating to alleged poaching in the wildlife sanctuary in Kanchanaburi province in February.


Prosecutors will decide whether to file the civil suit in a few days.



Chaiwat told investigators that the total financial damage from Premchai’s alleged poaching amounted to Bt3,012,000. This is based on the financial value attributed to animals whose remains were found at his campsite.


Chaiwat said he had been assigned by Thanya Netithammakul, director-general of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Department, to estimate the damage from the alleged poaching.


When Premchai and his three companions were arrested in the sanctuary in early February, officials found the remains of a butchered black leopard, a barking deer and a Kalij pheasant.


“Based on the price when Chiang Mai Safari bought a black leopard in 2006, buying a black leopard costs Bt462,000 and another Bt2,550,000 for the cost of breeding a black leopard and returning it to nature, which required five years.”


The sum was based on the previous breeding, protection and return of tigers to nature projects in western forests, Kaengkrajarn forest and Khao Pratabchang breeding station, he said.


Regarding the Kalij pheasant, the cost was Bt22,612, based on breeding data at Doi Tung breeding station in Chiang Rai province.


However, Chaiwat said the financial damage only related to the wildlife, while the loss to the ecological system of wildlife and plants was incalculable.


Groundbreaking poaching civil lawsuit puts monetary value on slain leopard

The findings will that the Black panther was a longtime overstayer from Oakland California who attacked the peaceful nature loving campers.
In the struggle the panther was shot when the valiant Thais disarmed him of his many firearms but sadly he fell into the cooking pot .

Groundbreaking poaching civil lawsuit

Hardly- just more creative Thai law 'enforcement'. Civil, not Criminal offence. Penalty = a fine, not a jail term & criminal record. Bribery attempt (criminal offence) seemingly already 'overlooked', if the deputy head of RTP is to be believed..
Prognosis- Blackpantherman will evade any criminal responsibility thanks to creative Thai law 'enforcement', but pay a fine based on a civil suit. Poor sod, ain't got no money to pay. Lets see if I am proved right (oh, it will take years methinks). Redbullyboy is already smirking.

Originally Posted by misskit

police investigators who were collecting evidence regarding a case against Premchai for a civil suit.

What are police doing gathering evidence for a civil suit?

Originally Posted by sabang

Civil, not Criminal offence. Penalty = a fine, not a jail term & criminal record.

Exactly. Investigators have been told to support the civil suit so the fat bastard gets off with a fine.

Thai-style Animal Protection Unit



From Manager, February 25, 2018

Left: Animal protection unit. [showing the much-lauded wildlife protection officers]

Right: Human-like-animal protection unit. [showing Thai police]


[Refers to the case where a tycoon was accused of illegally hunting wildlife. Few believe that he will be held to account for his actions as Thai police have a poor record in bringing the rich to answer for their crimes.]

2Bangkok.com | Almost Like Being There

Deputy Police Commander says Premchai case file solid

BANGKOK, 27th March 2018 (NNT) – The Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police has voiced his confidence that the case file on Italian Thai Development Co Ltd CEO Premchai Karnasutra and three others accused of illegal hunting in Tungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary is strong, but indicated that police are ready to present more evidence if needed by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police, Pol Gen Sriwara Rangsiphramnakul has explained that the OAG did not return the case file for a second time after it was resubmitted on March 22 but rather commissioned additional questioning, stating his own confidence in the strength of the file.

Investigators have filed an additional charge of violating the Customs Department Act against Premchai after he failed to produce any documentation for African Elephant Ivory found in his home. An assessment by the Customs Department given to police on March 23 indicated the ivory is worth a combined 4 million baht.

At the same time, Premchai has been hit with a 13 million baht damage charge by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation over his trip’s impact on Tungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary.

Pol Gen Sriwara announced today that he has ordered all investigation teams to submit their final files to the OAG by March 30.

Premchai and the three others involved in the case yesterday (March 26) reported to Thong Pha Phum Court to sign off on their fifth round of detention. They met with court authorities for 15 minutes and acknowledged their next appearance on April 9 before leaving without speaking to the media.


National News Bureau Of Thailand | Deputy Police Commander says Premchai case file solid

Thai Police are Trophies of the Rich



From Manager, February 27, 2018

Caption: There are carpets made from other things than tigers in Premchai’s room.


[Refers to Italian-Thai Development Plc president Premchai Karnasuta who was arrested and later released for allegedly hunting protected animals in Thung Yai Naresuan wildlife sanctuary.

This case has been received the attention as the public is skeptical that the rich and powerful are really be subject to the law as the police seem eager to collude with them. This is expressed in the Thai saying, “prison is only for the poor.”]

2Bangkok.com | Almost Like Being There

Originally Posted by misskit

but indicated that police are ready to present more evidence if needed by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

Eh? They have evidence that they're not producing?
Said (thus far suppressed) evidence wouldn't be the most incriminating by any chance would it?
Finessing a conviction (for PR) but one of lesser degree (for the rich guy).

Originally Posted by Maanaam

Eh? They have evidence that they're not producing?
Said (thus far suppressed) evidence wouldn't be the most incriminating by any chance would it?
Finessing a conviction (for PR) but one of lesser degree (for the rich guy).

If what I read is correct the extra evidence is DNA that had not been processed at the time the report was given to the OAG.
It is DNA from knives and a chopping block from the camp and bones found discarded in a stream near the camp if DNA from the dead animals is proved to be on these items then it would prove the animals were butchered in the camp.

Quite incriminating evidence.

Originally Posted by Maanaam

Quite incriminating evidence.

...evidence is beside the point in this case...

Police to discuss missing charges against Premchai with prosecutors

BANGKOK, 6th April 2018 (NNT) – The Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police is to hold discussions with the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor Region 7 on its decision to file only six of eleven charges lodged against Italian Thai Development Co Ltd CEO Premchai Karnasutra concerning his alleged illegal hunting in Tungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary.

Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police, Pol Gen Sriwara Rangsipramnakul has indicated he will meet with the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor Region 7 next week to discuss public disquiet, after it decided to proceed with only six of eleven charges investigaters made against Premchai. The CEO is currently being charged with violations including unauthorized transportation of firearms into a wildlife sanctuary and attempted hunting of protected animals.

Pol Gen Sriwara announced that police will be pressing prosecutors to reconsider the remaining five charges as they believe adequate evidence was collected. Meanwhile, he expressed confidence that other charges stemming from Premchai’s ownership of illegal elephant ivory and attempted bribery of state agents will not similarly be cast aside by prosecutors.


National News Bureau Of Thailand | Police to discuss missing charges against Premchai with prosecutors

2Bangkok.com | Almost Like Being There

‘I DIDN’T KILL THE BLACK PANTHER’ PREMCHAI TELLS COURT

By Jintamas Saksornchai, Staff Reporter -

May 2, 2018



Italian-Thai Development president Premchai Karnasuta arrives Wednesday at a Kanchanaburi court. Photo: Matichon

KANCHANABURI — A powerful construction magnate accused of wildlife poaching was granted bail Wednesday after denying all charges in court.

Premchai Karnasuta, president of Italian-Thai Development, entered his plea in the Kanchanaburi provincial court at the last hearing before a trial can proceed. He appeared alongside three co-defendants arrested with him in February at a wildlife sanctuary in the province.

“I’m not worried,” Premchai said after the hearing. “I didn’t kill the black panther. I’m ready to prove my innocence on all counts in court.”

Police said they found evidence the group killed and ate a black panther in the Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. They entered not guilty pleas on all charges, which related to possession of firearms and hunting protected species in a wildlife sanctuary, according to a statement from the court.

“Had the four defendants admitted their guilt, the court would have been able to hand down a verdict right away,” it said. “As they denied the accusations, the court will set a date to settle the issue … and set a meeting between the plaintiff and defendants for further review of the evidence.”

It added that Premchai was granted bail on a bond of 400,000 baht under the condition he not leave the country.
The next court date is set for May 21. If convicted on all counts, Premchai faces up to 34 years in jail and a fine of 333,000 baht.

On Tuesday, prosecutors said they would seek 3 million baht in compensation for the national parks department from Premchai, whose wealth is estimated in the 7.6 billions of baht.

The case has ignited passions, drawing renewed anger toward an uneven justice system that is seen as granting impunity to the wealthy and powerful.

?I Didn?t Kill The Black Panther? Premchai Tells Court

Originally Posted by Wilsonandson

I didn’t kill the black panther

...of course not...it's a clear case of suicide by cooking pot...

Premchai reports to court on ivory possession case, requests travel abroad

BANGKOK, 8 May 2018 (NNT) – Italian Thai Development Co Ltd CEO Premchai Karnasutra joined his wife and another suspect yesterday in reporting to the court on charges of illegal possession of ivory with all three continuing to deny any wrongdoing and the court scheduling an evidence and witness review hearing on June 25.

Premchai joined his wife Kanitta Karnasutra and their associate Wandee Somphum in reporting to the Criminal Court on charges of illegal possession of elephant ivory, which was found at Premchai’s home along with documentation validated by Wandee and naming Kanitta as the owner. The documents have since been disproven as they claim the ivory is from Thai elephants despite them being shown to be from African elephants.

All three have continued to deny the charges against them and affirmed they will contest the case. The court scheduled an evidence and witness review hearing for June 25. They did not have to request release on bail as they are currently out of detainment on 300,000 baht bond each.

Premchai submitted a request to the court to travel out of the country to India and Bangladesh this May 10 to 11 for business. The request was approved by the court but Premchai was told to post another 300,000 baht bond to ensure his return and to report to the court on May 16.


http://thainews.prd.go.th/website_en...C6105080010018

From the sublime to the ridiculous.................

A prima facia example of the absurdity of the Thai justice system. The bloke is worth billions and bail is set at 300,000 baht.

The origins of the ivory, the pitiful, meaningless bail and they've been granted permission to travel abroad, so that's it done and dusted.

Wealth wins, yet again.

Originally Posted by crackerjack101

Wealth wins, yet again.

...not necessarily: the panther may be stalking his dreams...

His sisters are now in the poo for land encroachment, seems his family have been up to no good for some time.

THREE SISTERS of construction tycoon Premchai Karnasutra, who is facing legal action over alleged poaching, turned themselves in to police yesterday to face charges of forest encroachment.

Damages from the alleged encroachment, which spans more than 6,000 rai (960 hectares) in Loei province, are estimated at about Bt680 million.
Bhilaijit Rerngpittaya, 68, Nijaporn Charanachitta, 67, and Orn-aim Terdprawat, 65, are directors of CPK International, which has occupied the Loei plots.
Premchai is a director without signatory power.

The three sisters surrendered themselves to the National Police Office’s Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division.
“The accused have admitted that their firm has occupied all the plots. But they claimed they simply inherited what their father had left behind,” Deputy National Police Commissioner Pol General Srivara Ransibrahamanakul said.


Officials would now go ahead with legal proceedings and revoke any land-right documents for the plots, he added.


According to Loei Governor Chaiwat Chuenkosum, any land-right documents for the plots must be revoked in line with the 1941 Forest Act.


“After the act was introduced, no one can occupy them,” Chaiwat said.


Nearly 200 people showed up at the Loei Provincial Hall yesterday morning to express moral support for Chaiwat, who played a role in bringing forward the cases against Premchai’s siblings.
The accused are from one of the country’s richest families.


Chaiwat had previously accompanied Srivara and officials on a survey of various plots in Loei after receiving a complaint of alleged encroachment. As a result of the survey, authorities filed complaints against CPK International and its directors.


Complaints filed against trio of sisters
1. Feb 13: Encroachment on 6,215 rai in Loei’s Phu Rua and Dan Sai districts
Damages: Bt621.5 million
2. Feb 13: Encroachment on six rai in Loei’s Phu Rua district
Damages: Bt600,000
3. Feb 21: Encroachment on 16 rai
Damages: Bt1.6 million
4. Feb 23: Encroachment on 293 rai in Phu Rua district
Damages: Bt24.9 million
5. Mar 23: Encroachment on 117 rai in Dan Sai district
Damages: Bt8.3 million
6. Apr 24, 2018: Encroachment on 253 rai in Phu Rua
Damages: Bt23.2 million

Premchai?s sisters surrender over alleged Loei land encroachment

...^all of that and the panther is still dead...

Originally Posted by misskit

Premchai submitted a request to the court to travel out of the country to India and Bangladesh

To acquire more ivory I suspect.

Thai billionaire appears in court as poaching trial begins

KANCHANABURI, Thailand (AP) — The trial of a Thai billionaire construction tycoon charged with poaching an endangered black panther and other animals in a wildlife sanctuary began Tuesday after months of delay.


Premchai Karnasuta, the president of Italian-Thai Development PLC, appeared at the provincial court in Kanchanaburi in western Thailand to hear initial testimony in the case against him.


The case has been met with public skepticism that justice will be done in a country that has seen the privileged prevail in high-profile cases. Wildlife activists concerned about the case have worn masks of the slain big cat as a symbol of protest on several occasions and environmentalists have pledged to keep up pressure.

Premchai was arrested last February after park rangers found that he and three of his company’s employees had set up camp at the Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, where they were found with guns and the carcasses of a black panther and other animals.


Members of the group face six charges: illegal gun possession, hunting in a protected wildlife sanctuary, hunting without licenses, possessing animal carcasses without licenses and collecting materials from a protected forest without permission.


In February, Premchai appeared before police and was granted bail after he said that he did not kill the panther.


A court statement said Tuesday’s hearing was to hear testimony from three prosecution witnesses, including a deputy police chief and the park ranger who had discovered the hunting group.


The statement also said that the 64-year-old Premchai had requested that the trial be conducted without him present, and that the court would allow his request because the maximum penalty in the case would add up to less than 10 years imprisonment and he already has a lawyer.


https://apnews.com/26b3822e15614851aa8a4ebde3b54315

Black Panther Verdict: Premchai Sentenced to 16 Months in Jail

Jintamas Saksornchai
Khao Sod English

KANCHANABURI — A powerful construction tycoon was convicted of several crimes related to a high-profile poaching case last year in a national park but acquitted of the most serious count, a court ruled Tuesday.


The Thong Pha Phum Provincial Court sentenced Premchai Karnasuta to 16 months in prison for weapons-related charges and conspiring to poach wildlife. The court found him not guilty of poaching a black panther in a wildlife sanctuary in a case that sent the nation into an uproar.

MORE Black Panther Verdict: Premchai Sentenced to 16 Months in Jail

Originally Posted by misskit

The court found him not guilty of poaching a black panther in a wildlife sanctuary

Insufficient evidence. Justice is served.

Hands up who think he will do 16 months in a Thai prison.

Anyone?