The Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) is mulling whether to appeal Tuesday's court verdict against construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta, who was implicated in the infamous black leopard poaching scandal.
The spokesman for the OAG, Kosonlavat Intujunyong, said the office is reviewing the details of the verdict to determine whether there are any basis to appeal the court's verdict.
Under Thai law, a ruling can be appealed if disagreements are found to have affected the court's decision, or if new evidence and/or charges pertaining to the case are presented to the court. Prosecutors were given one month to file an appeal against the ruling.
"If we decide to appeal, we will stand by our position that Mr Premchai is an active accomplice -- not just a passive supporter -- of wildlife poaching," said Mr Kosonlavat.
On Tuesday, the Thong Pha Phum Court in Kanchanaburi sentenced Mr Premchai to 16 months in jail for illegal poaching, possession of protected weapons and protected wildlife. However, Mr Premchai was acquitted of charges relating to the black leopard carcass found at their campsite.
Wichien Chinnawong, chief of the Thung Yai Nareasuan Wildlife Sanctuary, said he was "puzzled" by the court acquitting Mr Premchai of possession of the leopard's carcass.
"There is enough evidence to show Mr Premchai is not a passive conspirator, but an active supporter of poaching," he said.
