Police across Thailand have been told to look for Sunthorn Vilawan, mayor of the Prachin Buri provincial administrative organisation and father of Deputy Education Minister Kanokwan, who is wanted by the police and park officials for alleged land encroachment in Khao Yai National Park.
National Police Chief, Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk, said today (Monday) that a countrywide arrest warrant has been issued for Sunthorn, which has also been sent to all immigration checkpoints to prevent him from fleeing out of the country.
He said that, although the statute of limitations of the case is due to expire today, police can still arrest the suspect. He also warned that anyone assisting the suspect to evade arrest will face legal action.
The whereabouts of Sunthorn remain unknown, said the police chief.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission has found Sunthorn and Kanokwan at fault for ethical misconduct in connection with encroachment in Khao Yai National Park. A number of land and park officials were also found to be complicit in helping to arrange for land title deeds to be issued to Sunthorn and Kanokwan.
Last Friday, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Rayong province accepted the land encroachment case against Kanokwan. She was granted bail and the court scheduled the first hearing in the case for August 5th.
