Chuwit’s fate for 2003 bar demolition postponed until October by court

The Bangkok South Municipal Court this morning postponed the final ruling on politician Chuwit Kamolvisit, who destroyed several bars in the heart of Bangkok in 2003.

Chuwit Kamolvisit, who now leads the Rak Thailand party, was convicted along with two accomplices for leading 130 men to forcibly evict beer bars of an area known as Sukhumvit Square on Sukhumvit Soi 10 in January 2003. Sixty bars, which sprawled over more than 10 rai of land, were completely demolished.

At the time of the raid, Chuwit was a massage parlour tycoon and yet to become a politician.

Chuwit arrived at the court today holding a water bowl containing some toiletries, saying he was “ready to go to prison,” according to Manager.

However, the court decided to postpone the final verdict until Oct. 15 after eight defendants out of 131 failed to show up.

Chuwit was in 2006 sentenced by the Appeals Court to five years in prison for forced eviction, but was granted bail by the Supreme Court. As an MP carrying out his duty during a parliamentary session, he was not required to post any collateral.

His two accomplices – Lt Colonel Himalai Phiewphan, a military officer attached to the Armed Forces Development in 2003, and Major Thanyathep Thammathorn, who worked at the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Royal Guards – posted THB500,000 each for bail.

Walking out of the court, Chuwit said he will spend his time making merit, adding that he is ready to devote himself to serve the people if the court acquits him of the charges. However, he also affirmed that he is prepared to serve the prison term and will not flee the country if he is found guilty, Thai PBS reports.

Photo: Thai PBS



Reader Interactions

Leave A Reply


BECOME A COCO+ MEMBER

Support local news and join a community of like-minded
“Coconauts” across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

Join Now
Coconuts TV
Our latest and greatest original videos
Subscribe on