Grandfather seeks justice

[PeteC]

This one defies logic. I can see the shooter mistaking the boy for a thief, but not when he was over him on the ground and then simply executed him. He was a young boy for God's sake and simply on an adventure to do some fishing. The rot in this barrel of apples called Thailand goes deep, very deep. Pete


Grandfather seeks justice

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/crimes/ ... ks-justice

Published: 19/09/2011 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

The grieving grandfather of a young boy allegedly shot dead after sneaking onto the property of a high-ranking Sakon Nakhon official to go fishing has come to Bangkok to seek justice.

Sompong Panrasri, who has been fighting to have charges laid against the unnamed official, yesterday asked the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for help.

He said he had already filed a complaint against the official in tambon Na Kham in Wanon Niwat district.

Mr Sompong said two of his grandsons _ Anan, 10, and Nanthawat, 9 _ crept into the officials' housing compound at about 9pm on Aug 22 to catch fish in his pond. Nanthawat waited at the fence while Anan scouted the pond. Suddenly, he heard a gunshot and ran towards his brother who was holding a bloody thigh and shouting, "Tor [Nanthawat's nickname] help me, I'm shot."

Before he could reach his brother, he saw a man walk up to Anan and shoot him twice. Nanthawat rushed home to tell his other brother, grandfather and grandmother what had happened.

Mr Sompong went to the official's compound but could not find his grandson. Soon after midnight, neighbours in Wanon Niwat told him to go the local hospital. There he found the body of Anan who had been shot four times in the left thigh, neck and twice in the chest.

Police said later the official had gone to the police station to report he had shot dead a thief at his house. He was bailed out by local politicians that night.

Mr Sompong filed a complaint with police on Aug 23 but there has been no progress in the case, he said.

Mr Sompong said the official's wife had contacted him and offered 50,000 baht compensation but he declined.

Ms Paveena, the foundation chair, said she will try to get some justice for Anan.
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PS: To see stories about Thailand crime that don't usually make the front page, browse the following from time to time. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/crimes

[Takiap]

You know Pete, when I was a youngster, and somewhat out of control, my Mom used to say that if I don't change my ways, I'll end up in prison one day. Well, I did change my ways and have never been in trouble with the law, but I fear that I may well still end up in prison, because if anyone were to do to my kids, what this official did to the youngster in the article you posted, they will pay for it, not with 50,000 baht, but with their life. As you've stated, the victim was only a child, and when I read things like this, it's so easy to despise this so-called peace loving Buddhist society. On the other hand, most Thais would never condone such an act of violence.

[margaretcarnes]

That really does defy belief - a disgraceful and inexcusable act of what can only be described as cold blooded execution.
I hope the case comes to the attention of the UN and all relevant action groups. I will certainly pass it on to CPAG. I know that very often international pressure simply doesn't cut any ice in Thailand - and that this is no doubt an isolated incident. But the point is that the killer is - as we all know - more than likely to escape justice by greasing a few palms. This attitude of 'I have money/status I can do anything' has to be stopped somehow.

[Takiap]

Yes MC, I agree, and in cases such as this one, the death penalty comes to mind. To hell with the PC brigade - arrest the shooter, sentence him, and carry out the execution Chinese style. I would be more than happy to carry out the task.

[Khundon1975]

I bet he gets away with it. This is after all, Thailand.

[margaretcarnes]

I bet he gets away with it. This is after all, Thailand.

Yes and even those who are sentenced still think they have the right to get away with it apparently. Reported yesterday that the owner of the Bangkok nightclub in which 66 people died in the New Years Eve fire has been sentenced to 3 years for negligence. He plans to appeal. Arsehole.

[Takiap]

This is also why the Thais are so quick to take the law into their own hands. They know better than than us, that the justice system sucks. As I've said, in a case like this, only the family can can ensure the shooter gets what he deserves. Wrong I know, but that's just how I see it. If that was my boy, the shooter would definitely be meeting his maker very soon, and the fact that they had the cheek to suggest the boy's life was only worth 50K, would mean his final moments would be even more unbearable.

[margaretcarnes]

This is also why the Thais are so quick to take the law into their own hands. They know better than than us, that the justice system sucks. As I've said, in a case like this, only the family can can ensure the shooter gets what he deserves. Wrong I know, but that's just how I see it. If that was my boy, the shooter would definitely be meeting his maker very soon, and the fact that they had the cheek to suggest the boy's life was only worth 50K, would mean his final moments would be even more unbearable.

The sad thing is though that 50,000 could well be more money than the grandfather has ever seen in his life - yet he refused it on principal. I wish him well.

[Takiap]

What I can't understand is why anyone needs to seek justice. The crime is known, they know who shot the kid, so why not just arrest him?

[margaretcarnes]

What I can't understand is why anyone needs to seek justice. The crime is known, they know who shot the kid, so why not just arrest him?

That's the point isn't it - it's not what they know, it's who they know......