Investigation agency under scrutiny for delaying land dispute case proceedings
The Bhumjaithai Party has accused the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) of delaying the investigation into a high-profile land encroachment case involving Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and a politically influential family in Ubon Ratchathani. The case, centred around a land encroachment incident in tambon Si Wichian in Ubon Ratchathani's Nam Yuen district, was originally forwarded by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to the DSI in 2019 but remains unresolved six years later, with the statute of limitations approaching.
The case allegedly violates the Forests Act, the Land Code, and the Criminal Code. The company, owned by Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol's family, allegedly dug three large reservoirs on 17 rai of public land. The case involves four offenders, including Eiam E-San Tapioca Starch Industry Co Ltd, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Weerasak Wangsuphakijkosol, and Yolada Wangsuphakijkosol, who is the president of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO).
Supachai Jaisamut, head of the BJT's legal team, has criticized the DSI for the delayed investigation into the case. He claimed that the delay may be politically motivated and could allow the statute of limitations to expire. Mr Supachai expressed concern about the DSI's behavior, stating it raises public suspicion about whether the DSI is serving parties and whether it is used to persecute political opponents. He compared the case to another one involving Nathaporn Toprayoon, a former adviser to the Ombudsman's Office, where the DSI delayed arresting a political figure until near expiration of legal limits, raising suspicions that the DSI might selectively serve political interests or delay cases to protect certain individuals.
Mr Supachai also questioned whether suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra holds a share in the company. He suggested that Paetongtarn Shinawatra may have been assisting in postponing the case. However, no other search results provide more specific information about this land encroachment case or Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol.
The arrest of Mr Nathaporn was reportedly delayed by the DSI, despite an arrest warrant being obtained. Mr Nathaporn was eventually arrested and sent to prison after Mr Supachai called on the DSI to apprehend him. Mr Supachai questioned how many other cases like this are hidden from the public, raising concerns about DSI's impartiality and efficiency in handling politically sensitive cases linked to influential families and politicians in Thailand.
- The delayed investigation into the land encroachment case involving Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and a politically influential family in Ubon Ratchathani, although handled by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), seems to raise questions about policy-and-legislation and politics, as concerns regarding political motivation and selective service have been expressed.
- The general-news scene in Thailand is marked by increasing controversy, with crimes-and-justice cases such as the delayed land encroachment investigation involving high-profile figures like Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, adding to the concerns about impartiality and efficiency in handling politically sensitive cases by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).
