Pongpat gets another two and half years in jail

– Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community

PHUKET: The Criminal Court yesterday sentenced Pongpat Chayapan, former chief of the Central Investigation Bureau, to another two and a half years in jail for failing to report the discovery and acquisition of 51 ancient artefacts and possessing them without permission. The items will now be put under state ownership.

Gen Pongpat was initially given a five-year term, but the court later halved it because of his useful confession.

Gen Pongpat, 59, has been given a jail term of 31 years and nine months in five cases (collecting bribes from promoted police officers; collecting bribes from oil smugglers; being involved in a gambling den; money laundering; and violating the Forestry Act).

The latest sentence has raised the total sentence to 33 years and three months.

— Phuket Gazette Editors