Rhino horns: Cops face suspension | Bangkok Post: news

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Rhino horns: Cops face suspension

Three policemen at Suvarnabhumi Airport are expected to be suspended pending investigation after they were charged with involvement in an international wildlife smuggling syndicate.

Pol Sgt Maj Samai Ratchjangvang, Pol Sgt Jakkapan Panprasert and Pol Sgt Phetcharit Panthaisong were charged on Wednesday with the trafficking rhinoceros horns into Thailand on Jan 6.

Their superior, Pol Col Phumin Singhasoot, chief of Suvarnabhumi Airport station, was summoned by Samut Prakan provincial police chief Pol Maj Gen Thatchai Hongthong on Thursday for a briefing.

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Your comments

  • Discussion 14 : 08 Mar 2013 at 12.5314

    Why is it that almost in EVERY CORNER and EVERY CRIME in Thailand, the 'Government' people are involved? The Police, Army, Governor, Minister, Village Chief, Prison Officer, Judge, mmm... sorry, I won't be able to name all the designations and titles. Yes, and why they can always get away with it lightly or totally for some? Maybe we should all groom our children to become or take up 'some kind' of position and work in the Government sector!

  • Discussion 13 : 08 Mar 2013 at 09.1613

    D5 seems a bit rich China executing those involved in smuggling animal parts, seeing as they are the chief consumer for said products.
    and in this case it would be wise to go further up the chain, these guys however involved fit all the criteria for patsies. A proper investigation is needed by an international body that is less likely to whitewash it

  • Discussion 12 : 08 Mar 2013 at 08.3812

    The reason no one in Thailand gets fired for stuff like this is because everyone has too much dirt on everyone else.

    You've all seen the movies about organized crime families. When anyone, even an underling, has to take the rap for everyone else, his family is taken care of while he's out of action, and he knows he still has a job when he gets out.

    It's the same idea. There is a kind of code, if nothing else.

  • Discussion 11 : 08 Mar 2013 at 08.0711

    Proven fact. Rhino horns don't make you horny. Its actually just made up of hair with no medicinal composites.

  • Discussion 10 : 08 Mar 2013 at 07.4810

    Promoted to an inactive duty is even better! Then they also keep the benefits!

  • Discussion 9 : 08 Mar 2013 at 07.459

    On the evening news these three claimed a much higher superior ordered them to do this, which is what I believe happened. I doubt any of the three arrested could even find Africa on the map, let alone identify a rhinoceros or it's horn. The low levels always become the scapegoats for those masterminded these illegal actions.

  • Discussion 8 : 08 Mar 2013 at 06.248

    How can there be justice in Thailand when police can break the law at will. Yes, suspended until investigation is finished is the proper way, but when has any investigation been finished? When has any public official been fired for breaking the law. When has anyone gone to jail? Maybe all of this has happened and the news officials have never reported the fact. For once I would like to see the BP follow an issue from start to finish so we can all see what is happening or not happening.

  • Discussion 7 : 08 Mar 2013 at 06.077

    "Pol Col Phumin said after the meeting that he had proposed the three men to be suspended because they were law enforcement officers accused of committing a criminal offence and had damaged the credibility of his colleagues and the agency."

    Good laugh! Nearly choked on my banana.

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    Discussion 6 : 08 Mar 2013 at 05.276

    The sacrificial lambs - PM's attempt to make it look like they are doing something to curb the illegal trade.

  • Discussion 5 : 08 Mar 2013 at 05.075

    How about prosecution? Like in USA or Europe (in China they would be executed).

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