The Criminal Court sentenced a high-profile businessman and socialite to prison this morning after he was busted with a tiny amount of crystal meth.
Real estate magnate Kananek Patchimsawat, 65, was sentenced to 5 years and 6 months in prison with a fine of THB400,000 on charges of possessing and using Category 1 drugs.
However, because he confessed, his punishment was commuted to 2 years and 9 months in jail and a fine of THB200,000. He was not given probation.
On the night of Feb. 12, 2015, Kananek was busted with 0.676 grams of crystal meth at his room at MeStyle Place Hotel in Huai Kwang district. The police received a tip there was drug use on the premises and simply knocked on his door.
He tested positive for drug use.
Kananek’s family has offered a land title worth THB700,000 as bail, which is currently being considered by the court.
Kananek will also appeal the case, Nation TV reported.
Kananek is the father of Kanpithak “Moo Ham” Patchimsawat, who was arrested in 2007 for throwing a rock at a bus driver after the bus cut in front of him. He then rammed his Mercedes into a bus stop, killing a woman who was waiting for the bus in front of Sukhumvit Soi 26.
Years after he was put on probation, the Supreme Court revoked his two-year suspended term and sentenced Kanpitak to 2 years and 1 month in prison for attempted murder, murder, and assault in Sept. 2015.
Kanpitak is serving his sentence at Bangkok Remand Prison.
