Thai police commander jailed for running illegal business

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Thai flag
Thai flag

A Thai police commander has been sentenced to six years in jail for running an illegal casino, officials said Friday.

Thai flag
Thai flag

Judges at Bangkok’s Criminal Court sentenced Police General Pongpat Chayapan to 12 years in jail for running a casino but commuted the sentence to six because Pongpat had confessed.

Pongpat also pleaded guilty to charges of lese-majesty and extortion but the court has not yet ruled on either of those cases.

Pongpat was arrested along with several senior officers in late November for charges of corruption, extortion and lese-majesty.

Police said they found more than 1 billion Thai baht (about 30 million US dollars) in cash and other valuables in his home during a search.

Some 260 Thai police officers serving in the same unit as the disgraced former commander were also reassigned.

According to local media, the lese-majesty charges were brought because Pongpat would claim he was acting on royal behalf to intimidate business connections.

Pongpat is related to the ex-wife of the crown prince, Sirasmi, who since the scandal came to light has renounced her royal titles and public role.

The monarchy is traditionally revered in Thailand and the charge of lese-majesty, under which the king’s immediate family is above criticism, carries serious penalties.

GNA

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