Court sentences 9 men behind Supoth robbery
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The mastermind and seven accomplices involved in robbing "corruption money" from the former permanent secretary for Transport Suphoth Sublom were convicted and sentenced by the Criminal Court Friday.
Singthong Jaichomchuen was convicted for masterminding the robbery of Bt18.12 million in cash from Supoth’s home on February 12, 2011. He was initially given 18 years in jail, but his sentence was commuted to 12, as his testimony was useful to the trial.
Singthong and eight other suspects were first arraigned in court on February 9, 2012. The other suspects are Saokaew Namwong, Somboon Riyathe, Boonsueb Jomkun, Wutthichai Phanthawaree, Wanankrit Butkunha, Praphan Riangkrua, Chayathat Jannachai and Wassana Saphersup.
The court ruled that a witness’ account showed that the nine suspects were hiding the stolen cash from February 12 to November 23, 2011 before they were arrested.
Saokaew and Somboon were convicted for planning the robbery with Singthong. They were initially given a 12-year term, but it was commuted to nine after they confessed.
Boonsueb, Wutthichai, Wanankrit and Wassana were convicted of accepting the stolen cash and were sentenced to five years in jail. However, Boonsueb and Wanankrit’s term was halved due to confession, while Wutthichai and Wassana’s term was commuted to three years and four months.
Chayathat was convicted for supporting the robbery and initially sentenced to 12 years in jail, which was commuted to eight years on grounds that he provided useful testimony.
The court acquitted Praphan on benefit of doubt, but he is being detained pending an appeal.
The robbery has also prompted the National Anti-Corruption Commission to launch a graft probe against Supoth.
