Bangkok: Pol. Gen. Somyot Pumpanmuang expressed relief after the court dismissed the case against him concerning the alleged alteration of the speed of an energy drink heir’s car. He expressed gratitude towards the court for allowing him to be present during the verdict.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Somyot, a former national police chief and ex-president of the Football Association of Thailand, stated that the verdict had alleviated his long-standing societal burden as a defendant. He felt that justice had been served, proving his innocence after a lengthy struggle to present factual evidence to the court. Meanwhile, the court sentenced two former prosecutors to prison following discussions in the courtroom. Pol. Gen. Somyot encouraged them to fight the case with truth.
Regarding the Chief Justice of the Criminal Court’s decision to detain all defendants, Pol. Gen. Somyot expressed his readiness to comply with any conditions and appreciated the court’s past leniency by granting bail during the trial stages. Despite the case’s dismissal, an order for detention during the appeal necessitated bail applications. Consequently, all eight defendants were temporarily released under previously set conditions.
Pol. Gen. Somyot is contemplating whether to file a request with the Attorney General to deter an appeal, pending consultation with his lawyer. He reiterated his gratitude to the court for allowing him to be present during the verdict stage, marking a significant moment in the case’s progression.
Following bail approval, Mr. Net and Mr. Chainarong exited the court amidst significant media attention, yet refrained from giving interviews or allowing photographs.
Pol. Gen. Somyot also addressed accusations from ‘Madam Pang’ Nualphan Lamsam regarding alleged embezzlement during his tenure with the Football Association. He declined to discuss the matter further, emphasizing the seriousness of the day’s events. When questioned about a potential press conference or legal action against Madam Pang, Pol. Gen. Somyot indicated that no decision had been made and requested to leave the court.