We all are well aware that corruption is nothing new in Thailand. Now it's Pattaya's former mayor's turn.
Again, as I have warned many times, if you wish to buy a condo, stick with condos that are built and well established. Too many people have lost a great deal of money investing in condos under construction or condos promised.
No matter what you are told. No matter what you are promised. No matter how honest it all seems. No matter what kind of contract they give you. If you invest money in a condo under construction or a condo yet to be started instead of an existing, well established condo, if you lose your money, don't say you weren't warned.
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Former Pattaya Mayor Faces Arrest Warrant Regarding Waterfront Condo as Case Nears Expiration in Four Days
By Tanakorn Panyadee
6 September, 2023
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has issued an arrest warrant for the former Pattaya mayor, Itthiphol Khunpluem, in relation to his allegedly improper issuance of a building construction permit to construct the controversial Waterfront building near Pattaya Beach.
Itthiphol, who also recently served as the Thai Minister of Culture, has been accused by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of granting an improper construction permit to Bali Hai Company Limited in 2008, when he was the mayor of Pattaya, for the construction of a high-rise condominium complex called Waterfront Suites & Residence.
The controversy around the Waterfront building first arose when residents filed complaints against it for blocking the view of Pattaya Bay from the Pratumnak viewpoint, where the statue of a famous and beloved Father of the Thai Royal Navy points to the ocean, who now points at a condo.
The NACC investigated the complaints and requested the construction to be halted. Almost a decade has passed since then, and the project remains in limbo due to numerous legal complications. Consequently, the building continues to stand as a significant eyesore at Bali Hai Pier to this day.
The issuance of the arrest warrant for Itthiphol came in response to his failure to report to the prosecutor to acknowledge his charges on September 4th. The NACC then requested a warrant on him, which was swiftly granted on September 5th.
Under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, Itthiphol may potentially face imprisonment for a duration ranging from 1 to 10 years if convicted. Nevertheless, the statute of limitations for this case is 15 years, meaning that it will expire on September 10th, 2023.
Meanwhile, Thai reporters reached out to one of the Khunpluem clan members, Mr. Narongchai Khunpluem, the Mayor of Saensuk Municipality, to ask about his opinion on this case.
He said: “Neither I nor my family have been able to contact Itthiphol. I can only assume that he must be under a lot of stress right now.”
Narongchai revealed that he is not aware of this matter until the warrant is out. However, he believed that Itthiphol was being unfairly singled out.
The land title deed in question was issued by the Land Department, which is not related to the municipality that Itthiphol oversaw, and the design was carried out by foreign experts in accordance with the land title deed, Narongchai explained.
As of press time, Itthophol’s whereabouts are unknown and he has not released a statement.
https://thepattayanews.com/2023/09/06/f ... four-days/
For a history of the problems involved with this condo, see: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/10/o ... -building/
Arrest warrant issued for former Pattaya mayor
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Gaybutton
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Re: Arrest warrant issued for former Pattaya mayor
Missing? Maybe he's in Thaksin's old residence in Dubai . . .
I can't help but question the idea of making the retirement visa more difficult for perfectly innocent people, in order to quell corruption, when it seems so difficult for them to clean their own house.
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Arrest warrant for missing former culture minister and Pattaya mayor
by Chaiyot Pupattanapong and Wassayos Ngamkham
September 6, 2023
The whereabouts of former culture minister and Pattaya mayor Itthiphol Kunplome remained unknown on Wednesday, as he faced an arrest warrant for failing to show up for arraignment on charges over a controversial condominium development in Pattaya over a decade ago.
Mr Itthiphol was not seen at his residence or the office of his political faction in Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri province on Wednesday morning. The premises appeared deserted.
He did not report as ordered to public prosecutors, who planned to take him to the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Rayong on Monday. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) was subsequently instructed to seek a court warrant for his arrest, and it was approved on Tuesday.
Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, deputy spokesman of the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), said on Wednesday that Mr Itthiphol allegedly illegally approved construction of the Waterfront Suites & Residences condominium project in Pattaya on Sept 10, 2008, when he was Pattaya mayor. Bali Hai Co was the project owner.
Mr Kosolwat said the NACC filed the case with the OAG on Aug 3 and the attorney-general ordered Mr Ittiphol's prosecution on Aug 30.
The NACC accused Mr Itthiphol of malfeasance under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, which carries a prison term of one to 10 years. The 15-year statute of limitations of the case will expire on Sunday.
Mr Itthiphol, 50, was until recently the minister for culture, appointed a member of the second cabinet of former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in July 2019. He is a younger brother of former Pattaya mayor Sonthaya Kunplome.
The Waterfront condominium project was designed to have 57 floors on two-rai of land at the foot of Khao Phra Tamnak hill, adjacent to Pattaya Bay and Bali Hai Pier.
The project was challenged over its design and the land it was built on it. The incomplete building has already been odered demolished.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... taya-mayor
I can't help but question the idea of making the retirement visa more difficult for perfectly innocent people, in order to quell corruption, when it seems so difficult for them to clean their own house.
___________________________________________________________
Arrest warrant for missing former culture minister and Pattaya mayor
by Chaiyot Pupattanapong and Wassayos Ngamkham
September 6, 2023
The whereabouts of former culture minister and Pattaya mayor Itthiphol Kunplome remained unknown on Wednesday, as he faced an arrest warrant for failing to show up for arraignment on charges over a controversial condominium development in Pattaya over a decade ago.
Mr Itthiphol was not seen at his residence or the office of his political faction in Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri province on Wednesday morning. The premises appeared deserted.
He did not report as ordered to public prosecutors, who planned to take him to the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Rayong on Monday. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) was subsequently instructed to seek a court warrant for his arrest, and it was approved on Tuesday.
Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, deputy spokesman of the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), said on Wednesday that Mr Itthiphol allegedly illegally approved construction of the Waterfront Suites & Residences condominium project in Pattaya on Sept 10, 2008, when he was Pattaya mayor. Bali Hai Co was the project owner.
Mr Kosolwat said the NACC filed the case with the OAG on Aug 3 and the attorney-general ordered Mr Ittiphol's prosecution on Aug 30.
The NACC accused Mr Itthiphol of malfeasance under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, which carries a prison term of one to 10 years. The 15-year statute of limitations of the case will expire on Sunday.
Mr Itthiphol, 50, was until recently the minister for culture, appointed a member of the second cabinet of former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in July 2019. He is a younger brother of former Pattaya mayor Sonthaya Kunplome.
The Waterfront condominium project was designed to have 57 floors on two-rai of land at the foot of Khao Phra Tamnak hill, adjacent to Pattaya Bay and Bali Hai Pier.
The project was challenged over its design and the land it was built on it. The incomplete building has already been odered demolished.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... taya-mayor
Re: Arrest warrant issued for former Pattaya mayor
Pattaya has enough unfinished and apparently abandoned projects to serve as a warning.Gaybutton wrote: ↑Wed Sep 06, 2023 2:05 pmAgain, as I have warned many times, if you wish to buy a condo, stick with condos that are built and well established. Too many people have lost a great deal of money investing in condos under construction or condos promised.
No matter what you are told. No matter what you are promised. No matter how honest it all seems. No matter what kind of contract they give you. If you invest money in a condo under construction or a condo yet to be started instead of an existing, well established condo, if you lose your money, don't say you weren't warned.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Arrest warrant issued for former Pattaya mayor
The plot thickens. Maybe he really is in Thaksin's old residence in Dubai . . .
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UPDATE: Wanted Former Pattaya Mayor Reportedly Flees Thailand to Evade Arrest in Waterfront Condo Case
By Tanakorn Panyadee
6 September, 2023
Reports emerged today, September 6th, that Mr. Itthiphol Khunpluem, the former mayor of Pattaya and former Thai Minister of Culture, has reportedly absconded Thailand for Cambodia by air, after he was wanted for alleged malfeasance involving his issuance of an improper construction permit to the Waterfront condo project.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Chomchawin Punatananon, the Deputy Commander of the Chonburi Provincial Police, told Thai media today that he has received information, which indicated that Mr. Itthiphol has left Thailand on the morning of August 30th, 2023, after attending a meeting, and has not returned since.
He reportedly left the country on Cambodia Airways flight KR0702 and was headed to Phnom Penh.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Chomchawin stated that police are expanding an investigation to find Mr. Itthiphol as well as other accused.
https://thepattayanews.com/2023/09/06/u ... ondo-case/
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UPDATE: Wanted Former Pattaya Mayor Reportedly Flees Thailand to Evade Arrest in Waterfront Condo Case
By Tanakorn Panyadee
6 September, 2023
Reports emerged today, September 6th, that Mr. Itthiphol Khunpluem, the former mayor of Pattaya and former Thai Minister of Culture, has reportedly absconded Thailand for Cambodia by air, after he was wanted for alleged malfeasance involving his issuance of an improper construction permit to the Waterfront condo project.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Chomchawin Punatananon, the Deputy Commander of the Chonburi Provincial Police, told Thai media today that he has received information, which indicated that Mr. Itthiphol has left Thailand on the morning of August 30th, 2023, after attending a meeting, and has not returned since.
He reportedly left the country on Cambodia Airways flight KR0702 and was headed to Phnom Penh.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Chomchawin stated that police are expanding an investigation to find Mr. Itthiphol as well as other accused.
https://thepattayanews.com/2023/09/06/u ... ondo-case/
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Gaybutton
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Re: Arrest warrant issued for former Pattaya mayor
This is the building the mayor allegedly illegally approved. I'll let you guess for yourself whether any money exchanged hands.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Arrest warrant issued for former Pattaya mayor
UPDATE: New Warrant Planned for Missing Former Pattaya Mayor in Waterfront Condo Controversy
By Tanakorn Panyadee
7 September, 2023
Efforts are being made to prevent the statute of limitations from expiring for the wanted former Pattaya mayor, Itthiphol Kunplome, who has fled an arrest warrant, related to his involvement in the Waterfront condominium project, to Cambodia to avoid possible legal consequences.
The public prosecutors have urged the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to pursue a new arrest warrant that includes the date of Itthiphol’s escape.
The move came after the former mayor and culture minister, Itthiphol, had left Thailand on a flight to Phnom Penh on August 30th, a few days before the official arrest warrant was issued for him following his failure to report to the prosecutors on September 4th.
However, the initial arrest warrant did not specify the date of Itthiphol’s absence, which is important because it affects the Corruption and Misconduct Procedures Act. The act states that anyone who evades the law is not entitled to benefit from the statute of limitations.
Yesterday, the public prosecutors sent an urgent letter to the NACC, urging them to request a fresh arrest warrant for Itthiphol and two other defendants, with an inclusion of their absence.
Itthiphol’s current whereabouts are unknown at the time of reporting. The 15-year statute of limitations of his alleged malfeasance case will expire this Sunday, September 10th.
https://thepattayanews.com/2023/09/07/u ... ntroversy/
By Tanakorn Panyadee
7 September, 2023
Efforts are being made to prevent the statute of limitations from expiring for the wanted former Pattaya mayor, Itthiphol Kunplome, who has fled an arrest warrant, related to his involvement in the Waterfront condominium project, to Cambodia to avoid possible legal consequences.
The public prosecutors have urged the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to pursue a new arrest warrant that includes the date of Itthiphol’s escape.
The move came after the former mayor and culture minister, Itthiphol, had left Thailand on a flight to Phnom Penh on August 30th, a few days before the official arrest warrant was issued for him following his failure to report to the prosecutors on September 4th.
However, the initial arrest warrant did not specify the date of Itthiphol’s absence, which is important because it affects the Corruption and Misconduct Procedures Act. The act states that anyone who evades the law is not entitled to benefit from the statute of limitations.
Yesterday, the public prosecutors sent an urgent letter to the NACC, urging them to request a fresh arrest warrant for Itthiphol and two other defendants, with an inclusion of their absence.
Itthiphol’s current whereabouts are unknown at the time of reporting. The 15-year statute of limitations of his alleged malfeasance case will expire this Sunday, September 10th.
https://thepattayanews.com/2023/09/07/u ... ntroversy/
Re: Arrest warrant issued for former Pattaya mayor
Now there's something a new government should reform.Pattaya News wrote: ↑Thu Sep 07, 2023 5:37 pmEfforts are being made to prevent the statute of limitations from expiring for the wanted former Pattaya mayor, Itthiphol Kunplome, who has fled an arrest warrant, related to his involvement in the Waterfront condominium project, to Cambodia to avoid possible legal consequences.
How about abolishing the statute of limitations in such cases ? If the person concerned is dodging arrest, ensure the statute of limitations does not apply.
In fact, the only scenario where I can see it being justified is if the police are continually investigating a case. Then if they haven't accumulated enough evidence to bring a case to trial after 15 years, it's about time the accused had a break.
And on the case of that building, when will it be demolished ?
Another thing the new government could do is require all new developments to buy insurance for non-completion. To cover completion in case a developer fails, or demolition in case of any irregularity that prevents completion.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Arrest warrant issued for former Pattaya mayor
Former Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome evades arrest, seeks surrender
By Pattaya Mail
September 24, 2023
Niwat Chaimongkol, Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), shed light on the case of Itthipol Kunplome, the former Minister of Culture and Pattaya Mayor, who is currently evading an arrest warrant issued against him. This warrant stems from his involvement in the issuance of a construction permit for the controversial “Waterfront Pattaya” project in Pattaya, which was in violation of the law.
On Sept. 22, Niwat expressed uncertainty regarding whether the former Minister of Culture would choose to surrender to the court, given the outstanding arrest warrant against him. The situation remains tense as authorities attempt to bring Itthiphol to justice.
The 53-story Waterfront Condo project overlooking Bali Hai Pier has transformed from an engineering marvel to an eyesore to controversial allegations of misconduct and corruption.Itthipol Kunplome, 50, has served as both a Minister of Culture and as mayor of Pattaya City. He faces allegations related to corruption and misconduct tied to the issuance of construction permits for the “Waterfront” project on Phra Tamnak Hill, Pattaya City, Chonburi Province. These permits, identified as Form 1 No. 700/2551 dated Sept 10, 2008, were granted to Bali Hai Co., Ltd., but were found to be in direct violation of the law.
The NACC sought arrest warrants for three individuals, including Itthiphol Kunplome, Pichet Uthaiwattananon, and Wittaya Sirinworachai. These arrest warrants, marked as No. 23-25/2566 dated Sept 5, 2023, were issued by the Criminal Court, with the intention of prosecuting them for offenses outlined in Section 157 of the Criminal Code. Specifically, they are charged as government officials who failed or neglected to perform their duties, thereby causing harm to others.
Reports indicate that Itthiphol Kunplome left the country well before news of the impending arrests surfaced in early September. His departure from Suvarnabhumi Airport took place on August 30, with Cambodia as his apparent destination. Meanwhile, his co-defendants, Wittaya and Pichet, also chose to flee ahead of their scheduled arrests, departing approximately two days prior, on Sept 3.
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/former ... der-441456
By Pattaya Mail
September 24, 2023
Niwat Chaimongkol, Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), shed light on the case of Itthipol Kunplome, the former Minister of Culture and Pattaya Mayor, who is currently evading an arrest warrant issued against him. This warrant stems from his involvement in the issuance of a construction permit for the controversial “Waterfront Pattaya” project in Pattaya, which was in violation of the law.
On Sept. 22, Niwat expressed uncertainty regarding whether the former Minister of Culture would choose to surrender to the court, given the outstanding arrest warrant against him. The situation remains tense as authorities attempt to bring Itthiphol to justice.
The 53-story Waterfront Condo project overlooking Bali Hai Pier has transformed from an engineering marvel to an eyesore to controversial allegations of misconduct and corruption.Itthipol Kunplome, 50, has served as both a Minister of Culture and as mayor of Pattaya City. He faces allegations related to corruption and misconduct tied to the issuance of construction permits for the “Waterfront” project on Phra Tamnak Hill, Pattaya City, Chonburi Province. These permits, identified as Form 1 No. 700/2551 dated Sept 10, 2008, were granted to Bali Hai Co., Ltd., but were found to be in direct violation of the law.
The NACC sought arrest warrants for three individuals, including Itthiphol Kunplome, Pichet Uthaiwattananon, and Wittaya Sirinworachai. These arrest warrants, marked as No. 23-25/2566 dated Sept 5, 2023, were issued by the Criminal Court, with the intention of prosecuting them for offenses outlined in Section 157 of the Criminal Code. Specifically, they are charged as government officials who failed or neglected to perform their duties, thereby causing harm to others.
Reports indicate that Itthiphol Kunplome left the country well before news of the impending arrests surfaced in early September. His departure from Suvarnabhumi Airport took place on August 30, with Cambodia as his apparent destination. Meanwhile, his co-defendants, Wittaya and Pichet, also chose to flee ahead of their scheduled arrests, departing approximately two days prior, on Sept 3.
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/former ... der-441456
Re: Arrest warrant issued for former Pattaya mayor
Does anyone think leaking information about a "scheduled arrest" is good practice ?Pattaya Mail wrote: ↑Mon Sep 25, 2023 7:04 am Reports indicate that Itthiphol Kunplome left the country well before news of the impending arrests surfaced in early September. His departure from Suvarnabhumi Airport took place on August 30, with Cambodia as his apparent destination. Meanwhile, his co-defendants, Wittaya and Pichet, also chose to flee ahead of their scheduled arrests, departing approximately two days prior, on Sept 3.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Arrest warrant issued for former Pattaya mayor
Ex-culture minister back from Cambodia to face charges over Pattaya condo
By THE NATION
October 9, 2023
Former culture minister Itthipol Khunpluem returned to Thailand on Monday to face charges stemming from an illegal Pattaya condominium project back in 2008.
Itthipol disembarked his flight from Phnom Penh at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 10am and was immediately taken into custody by immigration police.
The former minister is wanted for corruption in construction of the Waterfront Suites and Residences in Pattaya in September 2008.
The arrest warrant was issued last month after Itthipol fled Thailand on August 30, one day after the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) ordered him to be prosecuted. The order came after the National Anti-Corruption Commission accused him of committing malfeasance. If found guilty, he faces a jail term of one to 10 years.
At 12.35pm on Monday, Itthipol was taken to the OAG’s Area 2 Office for corruption cases in Rayong’s Muang district to hear the charges. He was accompanied by his lawyer.
He smiled at waiting reporters as he entered the building, but made no comment.
After hearing the charges, he was taken to the corruption court Area 2 to be arraigned. His lawyer said he would seek bail release.
Itthipol was culture minister in the second cabinet of former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and is also the younger brother of former Pattaya mayor Sonthaya Khunpluem.
Itthipol, 50, was Pattaya’s mayor when he helped grant permission to Bali Hai Co Ltd for the construction of the Waterfront condo project in September 2008.
The project was built on two rai of land at the foot of Phra Tamnak Hill, next to Pattaya Bay and near Bali Hai Pier.
The building was later demolished after its permit was found to have been illegally issued.
Story and photos: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40031744
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Former Pattaya mayor arrested on return from Cambodia
by Wassayos Ngamkham
October 9, 2023
Itthiphol Kunplome, until recently the minister for culture, was arrested on his arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport from Phnom Penh on Monday morning for alleged graft in a controversial condominium project he approved 15 years ago when Pattaya mayor.
Immigration police arrested him at Bangkok's main airport when he arrived at 10am. He was wanted under a court arrest warrant issued early last month.
Police took him immediately to the public prosecutors' Region 2 office for corruption cases in the eastern province of Rayong.
The Criminal Court for Misconduct and Corruption Cases in Rayong approved the arrest warrant on Sept 5 because Mr Itthiphol did not report as ordered to public prosecutors. He went to Cambodia.
At that time, prosecutors had planned to take him to court in a case in which he was accused of illegally approving the construction of the huge Waterfront Suites & Residences condominium building, overlooking Bali Hai marina, on Sept 10, 2008, when he was Pattaya mayor.
Bali Hai Co was the project owner. The construction remains incomplete. There is an order for its demolition.
The Waterfront project was designed to have 57 floors on two-rai of land at the foot of Khao Phra Tamnak hill, adjacent to Pattaya Bay and Bali Hai Pier.
The project was challenged over its design and the land it was built on.
Mr Itthiphol, 50, was until recently the minister for culture, appointed a member of the second cabinet of former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in July 2019. He is a younger brother of former Pattaya mayor Sonthaya Kunplome.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... m-cambodia
By THE NATION
October 9, 2023
Former culture minister Itthipol Khunpluem returned to Thailand on Monday to face charges stemming from an illegal Pattaya condominium project back in 2008.
Itthipol disembarked his flight from Phnom Penh at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 10am and was immediately taken into custody by immigration police.
The former minister is wanted for corruption in construction of the Waterfront Suites and Residences in Pattaya in September 2008.
The arrest warrant was issued last month after Itthipol fled Thailand on August 30, one day after the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) ordered him to be prosecuted. The order came after the National Anti-Corruption Commission accused him of committing malfeasance. If found guilty, he faces a jail term of one to 10 years.
At 12.35pm on Monday, Itthipol was taken to the OAG’s Area 2 Office for corruption cases in Rayong’s Muang district to hear the charges. He was accompanied by his lawyer.
He smiled at waiting reporters as he entered the building, but made no comment.
After hearing the charges, he was taken to the corruption court Area 2 to be arraigned. His lawyer said he would seek bail release.
Itthipol was culture minister in the second cabinet of former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and is also the younger brother of former Pattaya mayor Sonthaya Khunpluem.
Itthipol, 50, was Pattaya’s mayor when he helped grant permission to Bali Hai Co Ltd for the construction of the Waterfront condo project in September 2008.
The project was built on two rai of land at the foot of Phra Tamnak Hill, next to Pattaya Bay and near Bali Hai Pier.
The building was later demolished after its permit was found to have been illegally issued.
Story and photos: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40031744
_________________________________________________
Former Pattaya mayor arrested on return from Cambodia
by Wassayos Ngamkham
October 9, 2023
Itthiphol Kunplome, until recently the minister for culture, was arrested on his arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport from Phnom Penh on Monday morning for alleged graft in a controversial condominium project he approved 15 years ago when Pattaya mayor.
Immigration police arrested him at Bangkok's main airport when he arrived at 10am. He was wanted under a court arrest warrant issued early last month.
Police took him immediately to the public prosecutors' Region 2 office for corruption cases in the eastern province of Rayong.
The Criminal Court for Misconduct and Corruption Cases in Rayong approved the arrest warrant on Sept 5 because Mr Itthiphol did not report as ordered to public prosecutors. He went to Cambodia.
At that time, prosecutors had planned to take him to court in a case in which he was accused of illegally approving the construction of the huge Waterfront Suites & Residences condominium building, overlooking Bali Hai marina, on Sept 10, 2008, when he was Pattaya mayor.
Bali Hai Co was the project owner. The construction remains incomplete. There is an order for its demolition.
The Waterfront project was designed to have 57 floors on two-rai of land at the foot of Khao Phra Tamnak hill, adjacent to Pattaya Bay and Bali Hai Pier.
The project was challenged over its design and the land it was built on.
Mr Itthiphol, 50, was until recently the minister for culture, appointed a member of the second cabinet of former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in July 2019. He is a younger brother of former Pattaya mayor Sonthaya Kunplome.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... m-cambodia