Itthipol Khunpluem”, this name is back in the news again. Because as soon as he left the position of Minister of Culture, he was issued an arrest warrant by the court in the case together with those Issuing a license to build a 53-storey condo in Chonburi province because it distorts and does not follow the prosecutor’s appointment

have to go back that The case of Mr. Itthipol Khunpluem, former Minister of Culture Was issued an arrest warrant by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 2, Rayong. On July 24, 2023, the NACC meeting resolved 5 to 1 to point out Mr. Itthipol’s guilt. that he committed an offense under Section 157 of performing his duties wrongfully while serving as mayor of Pattaya City By joining with a total of 11 people, issuing licenses to private companies to operate a 53-storey condo construction project in the foothills of Pratumnak Hill, Chonburi Province, illegally. and ordered to be removed from office.

The investigation at the NACC level found that on May 1, 2008, a private company applied for building construction permits with Pattaya City. to build a residential condominium at the foot of Pratumnak Hill with a height of 23 meters or more and a total area of every floor from 10,000 square meters or more But when examining the construction details both the height and length of the building back does not meet Building Control Act B.E. 2522

after receiving the matter NACC spends time investigating information Until August 3, 2023, the matter was sent to the prosecutor. Before the Attorney General filed an indictment on August 30 and made an appointment for the NACC to bring Mr. Itthipol to file a lawsuit on September 4, but Mr. Itthipol as the accused back skewed Causing the court to issue an arrest warrant for Mr. Itthipol In which this case will expire in 4 days or on September 10, 2023

In addition, the NACC also referred the matter to the Department of Lands. consider revoking 7 plots of land title deeds which the Director-General of the Department of Lands There was an order on March 28, 2023, to appoint an investigation committee. and inform the Pattaya City Mayor for consideration regarding the construction of a luxury condominium project with previous information that This project has been complained many times. There is a wrong build from the plan that has been approved for construction. obscures the view of Pattaya Bay From Khao Phra Tamnak view point Build a public area at the foot of Pratumnak Hill and set across the Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak monument, and in 2020, Mr. Sonthaya Khunpluem, Pattaya City Mayor There was an order to demolish the project. After a protracted lawsuit for ten years

As for the movement at Mr. Itthipol’s residence according to civil registration In the area of Moo 9, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, which is the We Love Chonburi coordination center. and originally an old hotel Has not been open for business for a long time reporters to observe No movement of Mr. Itthipol was found. At the same time, he went to another villa. In the area of Moo 5, Na Kluea Subdistrict, which is the residence during the period of Mr. Itthipol Served as Mayor of Pattaya City found that the house was abandoned

While Baan Sansuk, on the beach of Wonnapha Beach, Sansuk Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi which is the residence of the Khun Pluem family Or as the villagers call it “Ban Yai” and opened as a work place for the Palang Chon Party. which although the Phalang Chon Party is still open for business as usual But in the part of the house, all the doors were closed. no movement No one enters – exits. and not even the shadow of Mr. Ithol

However, in this case, the Chonburi correspondent was revealed by a high-level news source in Pattaya confirming that the consideration was granted at that time. The company has a valid permission. The project has submitted land ownership documents, building plans, environmental impact reports. and other accompanying information for Pattaya City to investigate At that time, there was no consideration or order on land. that there is a correct source or not

Coming back to the punishment of Mr. Itthipol Khunpluem, an offense under Section 157 of the Criminal Code is liable to imprisonment of 1-10 years, the age of 15 years when counting from the date of the offense, which is September 10, 2008, making it another 4 days or on the 10th. coming September The case will expire

Arrest warrant issued Specifying that the arrest warrant will be effective in 3 cases: 1. arrest, 2. termination of prescription, and 3. revocation of the warrant. It was reported that he had fled an arrest warrant to hide in Cambodia. From August 30, 2023, if the officers are unable to follow up and arrest them by September 10, the case will expire. The arrest warrant will also be terminated.

Detailed information Mr. Khamnueng Wongthaweesap, Director-General of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Corruption Suppression Region 2, revealed that Mr. Itthipol had to be taken. come to file a lawsuit by Friday, September 8, otherwise the case age Which has a 15-year prescription will expire, although the case will expire on September 10, 2023, however The case may have to be considered for further consideration under Section 13 of the Corruption and Misconduct Procedure Act B.E. or during court proceedings shall not count the period of time that the accused or the defendant fled included as part of the statute of limitations In which, if it falls into the category, an arrest warrant must be sought in order to take him to further prosecution. because it is considered that the case has not yet expired

For this case, Mr. Khamnueng reiterated that There are accomplices who are wrong and right. The NACC identified the culprit into two groups, the first group being the license issuer group. which included Mr. Itthiphol and group 2 was the construction permit group In which the first group has been brought to prosecute 4 people, leaving only Mr. Itthipol who has not arrived. – Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency