Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police, Pol. Gen. Sriwara Rangsiphramnakul, who is leading investigations into Italian-Thai Development CEO Premchai Karnasutra’s alleged illegal hunting and poaching of a protected black panther on protected land said that no special treatment is being shown to the business tycoon.
Pol. Gen. Sriwara expressed confidence ahead of a scheduled appearance by Premchai to hear further charges — including attempted bribery of state agents — that they would show up as scheduled, reported NNT.
Indeed, the tycoon and his driver, Yong Dodkrua, did show up with grim demeanors to acknowledge the bribery charge for what allegedly happened at the Feb. 4 arrest scene when Premchai allegedly offered officers “anything they wanted” to not arrest him.
Premchai’s spouse, Kanit Karnasutra, and Wandee Sombhumi, who validated the couple’s purchase of elephant ivory, are being charged with illegally possessing animal remains and violating the protected animals act. Pol. Gen. Sriwara has committed to questioning the suspects himself.
A request has been submitted to the director-general of the Customs Department for a probe into the Karnasutra family’s importation of elephant ivory into Thailand. The Department of Special Investigations has declined to take up the matter as a special case, saying it can be handled by police.
Firearms found at Premchai’s home, which have been tracked back to the United Kingdom, are also being checked for legality. The Ministry of Defense is taking part in the probe as there are suspicions the weapons are of military issue.
Meanwhile, Pol. Gen. Sriwara says that Premchai has not attempted to seek special treatment or leniency and that no such concessions will be provided. He noted that forensic evidence in the case is strong and no use of influence can sway its progress.
Premchai and the three friends that accompanied him on the hunting trip face ten separate charges that include: killing a protected species, illegal hunting in a wildlife sanctuary, illegal possession of guns and ammunition in the park, and animal cruelty. These are punishable by up to 21 years in prison with a maximum fine of THB190,000 (US$6,068).
Premchai has denied all charges and is free on THB300,000 (US$9,621) bail.
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