Petitioner Srisuwan Janya, left, shakes hands warmly with Yoswaris Chuklom, also known as Jeng Dokjik, right, as they arrive at the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) on Thursday. (Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham)
The courtroom drama continues to unfold as prosecutors have decided to defer their decision once again on whether to indict the spirited and prolific petitioner, Srisuwan Janya, former red-shirt activist Yoswaris Chuklom, and three others over the alleged extortion of the Rice Department head until August 28. Senior prosecutor Rachata Phanomwan, the spearhead for the extortion case against Mr. Srisuwan and his four alleged accomplices, conveyed to the Office of the Attorney-General that the case remains under review and is yet to reach completion, recounted OAG spokesman Prayut Phetcharakhun on Thursday.
Consequently, the prosecution team decided to push back their decision-date to August 28, Mr. Prayut elaborated. On the same Thursday, Mr. Srisuwan, Mr. Yosawis, nicknamed Jeng Dokjik, and the three other alleged partners in crime arrived at the OAG eagerly anticipating the prosecutors’ decision with bated breath.
Mr. Srisuwan admitted to being in the dark about the exact charges he would face. While media outlets suggested as many as six charges, police investigators hinted at four. The postponement came to light since the investigation team had only just submitted the comprehensive probe report to the prosecutors. Both Mr. Srisuwan and his wife, who are suspects in this case, had to appear at the OAG as per the set schedule on Thursday.
Brimming with a resilient spirit, Mr. Srisuwan revealed plans to submit a justice-seeking letter to the OAG, asserting with unwavering certainty that he possessed indisputable evidence to prove their innocence. Over recent months, he distanced himself from the other suspects, particularly Mr. Yoswaris, emphasizing his solitary mission of assisting troubled citizens. In fact, Thursday marked only their second encounter ever, their first reunion in the past six months.
Rewinding to January 26, the high-profile petitioner, Mr. Srisuwan, was dramatically apprehended during an undercover operation at his residence in Pathum Thani. The covert police had discreetly handed over a sum of 500,000 baht, leading to his arrest. Subsequently, Mr. Yoswaris and the other suspects met the same fate. This whirlwind arrest stemmed from a complaint lodged by Natthakit Khongthip, director-general of the Rice Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, with the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) police.
The complaint alleged that Mr. Srisuwan and his co-accused – including Mr. Yoswaris and Mr. Srisuwan’s secretary, Phimnattha Chiraphutthiphak – plotted to extort a staggering 3 million baht from Mr. Natthakit, threatening falsified corruption charges otherwise. However, all accused staunchly denied these allegations. Ms. Phimnattha, notably, was a former MP candidate for the Ruam Thai Sang Chart (United Thai Nation) Party, a faction within the ruling coalition, while Mr. Yoswaris had led the Ruam Chai Rak Chat (United Love for the Nation) movement. Additionally, he was involved in a civil service working group appointed by Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, a UTN leader.
Mr. Yoswaris revealed he had learned that he might be indicted on six counts, prompting his lawyer to submit a petition seeking justice from the prosecutors. Despite the predicament, he earnestly claimed innocence and expressed unwavering confidence in the exonerating evidence he gathered.
In the meantime, all suspects were temporarily released as prosecutors found no compelling reason to believe they would flee. However, they were instructed to reappear before prosecutors on August 28 for further proceedings.
Earlier, the Crime Suppression Division had tendered the investigation report against the five suspects to the prosecutors on July 16. During their police interrogations, all suspects were released, adding another layer of intrigue and anticipation as this high-stakes legal drama continues to captivate public attention.
This delay is just another example of corruption in the justice system. They are probably buying time to fabricate more evidence!
Or maybe they are making sure they have enough evidence to ensure a fair trial. Rushing things could lead to an unfair verdict.
Fair trial? In this country? That’s optimistic. Besides, delays always seem suspicious in cases involving high-profile individuals.
I agree with Natasha. We should give the legal system the benefit of doubt until we have concrete proof of corruption.
The fact that Srisuwan was caught red-handed with 500,000 baht is damning. Doesn’t look good for him at all.
Exactly. Even if he claims to have evidence of innocence, being caught with that money is a pretty big deal.
Let’s not forget that police sometimes plant evidence. We need to consider all possibilities.
True, but there are multiple witnesses and accusations. It’s hard to believe they’re all fabricated.
This case is just a distraction from the real issues plaguing our country. When will we tackle the root causes of corruption?
You’re right! These high-profile cases get so much attention, but grassroots corruption continues unchecked.
The relationship dynamics here are intriguing. Srisuwan distancing himself from Yoswaris seems like a calculated move to save himself.
It’s certainly suspicious. Maybe there’s more infighting among them than we realize.
Or maybe he’s trying to clean his image by distancing himself from more toxic associations. Politics is all about perception.
I’ve followed Srisuwan’s career for years. He always seemed genuine in his activism. This whole thing feels off.
This is just like those spy movies where the hero gets framed. Srisuwan is the hero here, I bet.
Get real. This isn’t a movie. Real people do get caught for real crimes.
I find it odd that prosecutors delayed their decision again. Are they being pressured from above?
Possible but without concrete evidence, it’s all speculation.
True, but sometimes speculation leads us to truth. We can’t ignore all the smoke.
What does this mean for the Rice Department head? Could this impact his credibility?
Definitely. If the allegations are true, it shows he’s susceptible to extortion, which isn’t a great look.
On the flip side, if he stood up to extortionists, it could enhance his reputation for integrity.
Why were they released if the case is so strong? Doesn’t add up.
Maybe they don’t have enough to hold them right now. It’s not uncommon for suspects to be released while further evidence is gathered.
Still, it seems risky. What if they flee or tamper with evidence?
I think we need to focus on reforms rather than these sensational cases. Systemic change is what’s needed.
This entire case is a circus. The media just loves these dramatic stories while real justice lags behind.
In every scandal like this, someone is pulling the strings from behind the scenes. Follow the money!
Imagine being a public figure and having your entire life scrutinized like this. Tough to say if I would handle it better or worse.
Innocent until proven guilty. We must remember this foundational principle.
Justice is supposed to be blind, but in cases like this, politics and personal biases often get in the way.