Suthep’s son acquitted in isle land case
The Appeal Court reversed the lower court’s decision to jail Tan Thaugsuban, son of former protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, and three others in connection with the 2013 forest encroachment case.
The other three defendants were Phongchai Fathawiphon, Samart Ruangsi and Banchoet Laopiyasakul, a former secretary of Mr Suthep, according to the ruling yesterday.
The lower court sentenced Mr Tan and Mr Banchoet each to three years in prison, while Mr Phongchai and Mr Samart were each given five-year jail terms. They were released on bail while fighting their case in the Appeal Court.
The four were accused of deforestation and forest encroachment for their alleged roles in occupying a 14-rai plot of forest land in Koh Samui district of Surat Thani.
A reservoir was also built on the land without permission, according to the prosecution.
The area the group were accused of encroaching on is known as the Pa
Khao Phaeng forest that covers more than 31 rai of land, 14 rai of which were allegedly encroached upon by the four defendants, who pleaded not guilty.
The Appeal Court yesterday found prosecutors’ evidence and witness testimonies doubtful, so they were acquitted.
The forest encroachment and deforestation allegedly occurred between September 2000 and October 2001. The case was brought against the four in 2013 when prosecutors advised they be indicted based on findings sent to them by the Department of Special Investigation.
Mr Tan’s lawyer Wiroj Phumsirisawas said the investigation against his client appeared to be politically motivated.
He was referring to claims made by Mr Tan in 2012 that the case was aimed at discrediting his father, Mr Suthep, who became leader of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee protest group in late 2013.