Yet another example of high level corruption

[Gaybutton]

Anyone wondering what the motivation might have been?

Maybe the mindset is "I'm influential, so ethics, laws, and consequences don't apply to me". Reminds me of a certain Mr. Trump.

I sometimes wonder how these higher ups get to be higher ups.

Seems to be the way of life in Thailand - as long as they don't get caught . . .
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Former Thai Police Chief and seven others charged in Red Bull heir case

By Pattaya Mail

August 30, 2024

Former Thai National Police Chief Somyot Poompunmuang and seven others were formally charged on August 29 for allegedly helping Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, heir to the Red Bull empire, evade prosecution in a high-profile 2012 hit-and-run case.

The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct accepted charges against the group. Prosecutors allege the defendants manipulated evidence, particularly regarding the vehicle’s speed at the time of the accident.

The case stems from a 2012 incident where Vorayuth’s Ferrari fatally struck a police officer in Bangkok. Vorayuth fled the country in 2017 after repeatedly ignoring court summonses.

The court granted Somyot bail for 200,000 baht. While expressing concern about the charges, Somyot maintained his innocence, stating, “I have done my best. Everything will be proven in court.”

A hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2024. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting concerns about corruption and preferential treatment for Thailand’s elite.

https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnew ... ase-470328

[Gaybutton]

Why am I not surprised?

In the end, if anything actually happens to them beyond the usual slap on the wrist, I will truly be amazed. I already notice the article doesn't say whether their positions are suspended or they get to continue in their jobs - at the same salary.
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Bail Granted to Somyot and Others in "Boss" Yoovidhya Case

Pol. Gen. Somyot Poompanmoung, a former National Police Chief, along with seven other individuals, has been granted bail by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. This decision follows charges related to the notorious 2012 hit-and-run case involving Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, which resulted in the death of Sgt. Maj. Wichian Klanprasert.

Background and Charges

The group, including Pol. Gen. Somyot, was summoned by prosecutors based on the findings of the Thailand National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The charges pertain to the alleged alteration of investigative documents and reduction of charges against Vorayuth Yoovidhya, an heir to the Red Bull fortune, who was implicated in the fatal accident.

Court Appearance and Bail Conditions

At approximately 12:10 p.m. today, Pol. Gen. Somyot and the others appeared in court. Shortly afterward, Pol. Gen. Somyot disclosed that bail had been granted, with each individual required to post a cash bond of 200,000 baht. As part of the bail conditions, the court has imposed a travel ban, restricting them from leaving the country.

Statement by Pol. Gen. Somyot

Speaking briefly to the media outside the courtroom, Pol. Gen. Somyot emphasised that his legal team would handle the ongoing case. He refrained from commenting further on the case specifics, underscoring his respect for the judicial process and the presiding judges.

When questioned about his stance on the accusations, Pol. Gen. Somyot indicated that his lawyers would address the matter, avoiding any direct assertion of innocence or guilt.

Implications of the Case

This high-profile case has drawn significant public interest and scrutiny due to the involvement of prominent figures and the controversial handling of the original investigation. The granting of bail and the imposed travel restrictions signify that while the accused are temporarily free, they remain under close judicial monitoring as the case proceeds.

The next steps will be closely watched as both the legal proceedings and the involved parties navigate the complex judicial landscape.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1336925-bail ... =240831-11

[Jun]

They ought to be executing police convicted of major corruption. That would send the right message.

Although, I wouldn't be surprised if the courts were corrupt as well.

[Gaybutton]

Although, I wouldn't be surprised if the courts were corrupt as well.

Considering what they did to the Move Forward party and Pita, I know what my opinion is . . .

[KeithAmbrose]

And Srettha....

[Jun]

Now is it corrupt judges, or are they simply following a corrupt and undemocratic constitution?

[Dodger]

Most of us who have spent some time in Thailand know full-well that "corruption" is endemic in all aspects of Thai government and fully engrained in Thai society as well. By "engrained" I don't just mean society is aware that corruption exists, I mean Thai society actually participates in corruption and accepts corrupt practices as a normal process, e.g. producing/selling illegal homemade whiskey, gambling (rampant in rural Thailand), operating a business without a license, etc. This is no mystery.

According to Wikipedia: "Corruption in Thailand is a national issue. Thai law provides criminal penalties for conviction of official corruption. Thailand's 2014 military junta, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), stated that fighting corruption would be one of its main focus points, a common practice for military dictatorships following Thailand's frequent military coups. Despite the promises, officials engaged in corrupt practices with impunity, and the NCPO engaged in corrupt practices itself". End of Wikipedia.

We always talk about the negative side of corruption. Let's talk about some of the benefits:

For the average farang visitor (tourist or retired expat) the following benefits may apply:

1) If you fail to meet any visa requirements (any/all types of visa's) you can pay under-the-table (TEA) to have your visa approved. (My guess is that close to 40% of all retired expats contribute to this corrupt practice).

2) If you get caught violating a law, ranging anywhere from a minor traffic violation to a major felony, you will most likely have the option of paying TEA to make the violation disappear or get reduced to where the penalty would be minimal.

3) Prostitution is illegal in Thailand - but because of the TEA bribes that are regularly paid by the bar owners who employ prostitutes this profession is allowed to flourish and everyone's happy...

3) Purchasing a condominium in a fake company name, which is done by scores of farang when a deed in a foreign name is not available, is not a legally recognized process in Thailand - and thus illegal. This practice of course benefits Thailand's many Land Offices who collect fees (TEA) for such sales, but is just another example of a corrupt practice.

The last goes on and on and on - but these are just a few of the top TEA Practices that farang commonly indulge in with seemingly no complaints.

The way I see it: "When in French, do as the French do", as they say. I don't like corruption...do my best to avoid being a participant...appreciate the benefits that it does provide...as I just keep enjoying going with the flow.

[Gaybutton]

are they simply following a corrupt and undemocratic constitution?

Without having actually read the constitution, that's not an easy question to answer. The Thai constitution is what it is and the judges are obligated to follow it. I hope that's what they honestly believe they did - emphasis on hope.

I also agree with Dodger's post above.

We always talk about the negative side of corruption. Let's talk about some of the benefits

There are aspects of corruption that do benefit us. Also, while I believe many of us are annoyed when reading news about corruption, especially high level corruption, almost none of it has a direct, or even indirect, effect on farang.

Many are convinced that the visa agencies are a form of corruption. However, until that can be proved, it is speculation, not fact. Whether it can be proved is, to me, not the issue. They do provide help for farang who have no other way and no place to turn to get what they need and they also help farang who are willing to pay their price simply for the convenience.

I don't know how the visa agencies do it, but I wouldn't want to put a stop to it. I used a visa agent to get my new passport. All I had to do was sign a couple documents and pay their 10,000 baht fee. Money well spent as far as I'm concerned. If you read the steps you have to take, at least for getting USA passports in Thailand, I think many will agree with me. I also plan to pay the 3000 baht fee next time I need to renew my driving license. It saves all the hassle and all I'll have to do is show up to do the vision and reaction time tests.

The corruption that springs to mind that directly negatively affects farang is when police are caught trying to shake down a farang for a lot of money to get out of legal trouble. But even that can benefit the farang if he is willing to pay their price to make the problem go away.

One form of corruption that has benefited me a couple times over the years is giving tea money to a police officer who stopped me for some sort of traffic violation. A few hundred baht, whether I actually did anything wrong or not, and I'm on my way and case closed. No license points lost either. That kind of corruption is fine with me . . .

[Jun]

Many are convinced that the visa agencies are a form of corruption. However, until that can be proved, it is speculation, not fact.

I visited two visa agencies and both were able to fix visas that I would not legally qualify for.
Including a retirement visa, without the 800,000 baht in the bank.
For me, that is a fact and is sufficient proof of corruption.
Anyone else can make the same enquiries.

As for side effects of corruption, how about a high death rate from road traffic accidents, due to non-enforcement of traffic safety rules? Like wearing helmets, searbelts or preventing reckless driving?

Or lower living standards due to the lower economic growth and higher costs that result from corruption?

Of course, even with the last example, we probably benefit to some extent, via cheaper holidays and cheaper boys.

The average Thai loses more from corruption. Ultimately, it's their problem to fix, not ours.

[Gaybutton]

Ultimately, it's their problem to fix, not ours.

I agree. That is the bottom line.