Banyin’s son denies prison break connection allegation

The son of disgraced former government official, Banyin Tangpakorn, has denied any involvement in his father’s alleged plan to escape from Bangkok Remand Prison (BRP).

Banyin, a former deputy commerce minister, was convicted over a forgery charge and has been accused of being involved in the abduction and murder of a Bangkok South Criminal Court judge’s elder brother.

He was placed in solitary confinement last month at Bang Kwang Central Prison in Nonthaburi after reports of an escape plan allegedly involving multiple people surfaced.

Woraphat Tangpakorn, son of Banyin, showed up for questioning at the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) headquarters in Bangkok yesterday after he was summoned by Pol Col Sanphet Nuthong, superintendent of the CSD investigation unit.

Mr Woraphat was summoned after police learned he was a close friend of Natthapol “Top” Norakarn, 30, who served under Banyin when he still had his police rank.

Natthapol was also detained at the BRP at the same time as Banyin before the alleged escape plan came to light.

Police suspect Mr Woraphat and Natthapol were involved in the escape plan because the two communicated before the plan was revealed.

Mr Woraphat yesterday denied involvement in the alleged escape bid.

He insisted he was not a friend of Natthapol. Mr Woraphat said they met in prison during a visit and had asked Mr Natthapol about his father who was detained in the same section.

Mr Woraphat, however, admitted to having communicated with Natthapol over the phone about general topics.

According to Pol Col Anake Taosuphap, deputy chief of the CSD, police agents learned Natthapol contacted Mr Woraphat after the former policeman was released on bail.