Mentors Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 CHUWIT ACQUITTED Following a lengthy trial relating to the demolition of Sukhumvit Square bars and shops in early-2003, the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court Thursday acquitted former Chat Thai MP Chuwit Kamolvisit and his associates. But a corporate lawyer was sentenced to eight months in jail after evidence showed his involvement in the case. A lawsuit filed by 103 plaintiffs had demanded Bt103 million in compensation and maximum penalties. It claimed that, at about 4am on January 26, 2003, Chuwit and his accomplices had bulldozed 60 beer bars and shops on the 10-rai square and then cordoned off the area, barring business owners from returning to see what was left. However, charges of damaging property, intrusion, illegal detention and forcing others to act against their will against Chuwit, Lt-Colonel Himalai Phewphan of the Supreme Command, Army Major Thanyathep Thamathorn and 126 others were dismissed by the court on the grounds that the plaintiffs' testimonies did not carry enough weight. The incident took place during darkness and it was impossible to identify who carried out the demolition, the court said. The charges against Chuwit were not strong, as he was merely the property owner who had sublet it to others, while there was no evidence against Himalai, Thanyathep and other security guards who were in charge of the area's security. However, the court found evidence of the involvement of lawyer Chanvej Malaibucha, who worked for the Nickel Company that carried out the demolition. He was initially sentenced to one year in jail, but this was reduced to eight months because of his useful testimony. Khun Chuwit for next PM! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elef Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 Exactly what everybody expected! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 Puet did it ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khun_Kong Posted July 14, 2006 Report Share Posted July 14, 2006 "The charges against Chuwit were not strong, as he was merely the property owner who had sublet it to others, while there was no evidence against Himalai, Thanyathep and other security guards who were in charge of the area's security. However, the court found evidence of the involvement of lawyer Chanvej Malaibucha, who worked for the Nickel Company that carried out the demolition. He was initially sentenced to one year in jail, but this was reduced to eight months because of his useful testimony. " What was the useful part? That everybody got off? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elef Posted July 14, 2006 Report Share Posted July 14, 2006 Probably Chuwit told him to confess that he was the man who took the decision. If the lawyer really will go to jail (I doubt it) he will stay in a cell resembling a room in Oriental with first class restaurant food and girls delievered daily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Hippie Posted July 14, 2006 Report Share Posted July 14, 2006 Ah, the system works! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted July 14, 2006 Report Share Posted July 14, 2006 << However, charges of damaging property, intrusion, illegal detention and forcing others to act against their will against Chuwit, Lt-Colonel Himalai Phewphan of the Supreme Command, Army Major Thanyathep Thamathorn and 126 others were dismissed by the court on the grounds that the plaintiffs' testimonies did not carry enough weight. >> Precisely! Who is going to take the word of bar owners over that of a multi-millionaire politician? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous_Dog Posted July 14, 2006 Report Share Posted July 14, 2006 KK I was going to ask the same thing! No one gets charged so what was the use, TIT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwai_hai Posted July 15, 2006 Report Share Posted July 15, 2006 I must protest on Mr Chuwit's behalf!! The way I understand it; - Chuwit leased the land to Company A. - Company A leased lots to the bars. - Chuwit plans to develop the land and properly and lawfully terminates the lease with Company A. - Company A continues to lease to bars even though Company A has no right to. - Chuwit advises the bars they do not have a legal lease. - Bars refuse to accept this pointing to lease with Company A (unlawful). - After some time Chuwit gets the hump and gives them notice to remove their goods and chatels from the premises. - Bars continue to sit and cross their fingers. - Chuwit demolishes the joint (bit heavy handed I agree but what option?). Am I off track here? I really don't see him as the big bad wolf! Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Hippie Posted July 15, 2006 Report Share Posted July 15, 2006 I could be wrong, but I don't think the occupants were ever given any due process, or the offer of refunds on their prepaid leases. As I understand it, the bulldozing was pretty much un expected... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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