The Criminal Court yesterday sentenced a woman linked to the alleged criminal network of former Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Pongpat Chayapan to two years and six months on a lese majeste charge.
Sudathip Muangnual, the 48-year-old wife of former Samut Sakhon Immigration Police chief Kowit, was originally handed a five-year prison term, but it was commuted because of her confession.
Sudathip Muangnual is taken to the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, where she was later sentenced to two years and six months without suspension on a lese majeste charge. Apichit Jinakul
According to the court, Sudathip had been hired to supply food, including chili paste, and fresh and boiled vegetables, to the Personal Affairs Division of the Royal Family from 2002 to last year.
She cited the royal institution to ward off other suppliers who wanted to take part in bidding for the contract, the court said.
Bidding was needed to create competition, in line with common practice in state agencies. Her actions also violated sections 112 and 83 of the Criminal Code dealing with lese majeste, the court said.
Her jail term was handed down without suspension.
Sudathip and her husband also own the Suan Phung Resort in Ratachaburi's Suan Phung district, which was seized in November last year for allegedly encroaching on forest land.
Meanwhile, police are gathering evidence to seek an arrest warrant for Pongpat's nephew, Akachai Ployhin.
The move comes after Banthuang Naemeesan, 73, lodged a complaint at the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), saying his son, Paithoon, was duped by Mr Akachai in December 2008 into believing he would be freed from a drug charge by Bang Phae police in Ratchaburi.
Mr Akachai demanded 1.3 million baht for his help, citing the monarchy, and the sum was handed over to him at the Golden City Hotel in Ratchaburi, acting CSD commander Akaradej Pimonsri said.
After the money was delivered, Mr Akachai failed to help prevent Paithoon from being prosecuted, Pol Col Akaradej said.
Paithoon's family members did not report the case to police at first as they were afraid of Mr Akachai's power, the commander said.
Pol Col Akaradej said Mr Akachai was found to be a broker of the now-toppled gambling den "Number One" in the Meng Jai area last year.
Pol Col Akaradej said Mr Akachai is Pongpat's nephew, and often cited his name in threatening his victims.