Japan lets ‘pic snatcher’ off the hook

The senior Thai official arrested in Japan for theft was released by Japanese authorities yesterday evening, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Suphat Saguandeekul, deputy directorgeneral of the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), was released from detention at 5.50pm Japan time yesterday. The Japanese prosecutors and police determined Mr Suphat committed a petty, unpremeditated crime which did not cause damage to others, according to Sek Wannamethee, the ministry spokesman.

Mr Sek added Mr Suphat had paid for damages to the hotel in Kyoto where he stole three paintings worth about ¥15,000 (4,600 baht) and was arrested on Tuesday.

After being freed, Mr Suphat met with his family who travelled to Japan to see him. Paperwork was being processed for Mr Suphat’s return to Thailand, Mr Sek said.

The spokesman added Mr Suphat was freed from a police station in Kyoto and he offered an apology over the incident.

Earlier yesterday, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai admitted the theft had tarnished the country’s image, but gave his assurance that the scandal would not put a strain on bilateral ties.

He was in Japan on an official trip to attend a conference on government intellectual property on Jan 20-25.

Mr Don said the Foreign Ministry was closely monitoring the scandal which tainted the country’s reputation. However, he believed the case would serve as a lesson for all officials and it would not happen again.

Also earlier yesterday, Mr Sek said the Japanese court had ordered the Thai official be detained for 10 days as recommended by the prosecution but that was cut short due to his release yesterday.

According to Mr Sek, before Mr Suphat’s release, Thai officials had been discussing compensation with the hotel management. The officials had been optimistic that with a compensation payment, the charge would be dropped and Mr Suphat would be released.

He said officials from the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Osaka met Mr Suphat yesterday morning, but he did not give any details about the meeting.

According to the Japan Today website, Mr Suphat was caught on security cameras removing three paintings from the hallway wall.

Hotel staff alerted police who detained him after they found the paintings in his luggage as he was checking out. Mr Suphat reportedly admitted to the theft.