Sia Piang released early from prison due to health issues
Apichart Jansakulporn, widely recognised as Sia Piang, has been released from prison, confirmed by the Department of Corrections (DoC).
Initially sentenced to 48 years for his involvement in the rice-pledging scandal, Apichart was granted early release due to severe health issues, having served only seven years of his sentence.
The DoC Director General, Sahakarn Phetnarin, stated yesterday, December 5, that Apichart’s release, which occurred yesterday, was a result of his critical illness, and he is currently receiving medical treatment at Ramathibodi Hospital. Notably, he is exempt from wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet during this period.
Convicted in 2015 for his role in corrupt government-to-government rice sale deals, Apichart’s original sentence was reduced through multiple royal pardons to 12 years, 8 months, and 12 days. With these reductions, his sentence is now due to conclude on July 27, 2034.
Former Democrat Party MP Watchara Phetthong expressed concerns over the transparency of Apichart’s early release. He has taken action by filing a petition with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, calling for a thorough investigation into the DoC’s decision-making process regarding Apichart’s case.
He urged the 38 year old prime minister to disclose the findings of this investigation to the public within a 15-day timeframe and stressed the need for accountability among any government officials involved in facilitating the release.
Watchara remarked on the lack of public disclosure from the DoC, highlighting the national interest in the case due to its significant financial repercussions on the state.
He further questioned whether Apichart had fulfilled all legal and financial responsibilities, including the substantial 16.9 billion baht (US$496 million) compensation with interest, owed by the defendants in the case before his release.
The situation surrounding Apichart’s release is part of a broader pattern of early releases of high-profile individuals involved in the rice-pledging scandal. Recent developments include the release of former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyaphirom, who had been sentenced to 48 years but served only seven following royal pardons.
Boonsong was granted a suspended sentence and returned to his home in Chiang Mai at the start of this week. Additionally, his deputy, Poom Sarapol, sentenced to 36 years, was released in September after serving seven years, reported Bangkok Post.
Observers have speculated that these releases may be linked to broader political strategies, potentially aimed at paving the way for the return of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
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