The public prosecutors have agreed not to appeal the verdict of the Appeals Court against construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta, in connection with the illegal hunting of a black leopard and other protected wildlife in Thung Yai Naresuan wildlife sanctuary in Thailand’s western province of Kanchanaburi in February 2018. The illegal hunting scandal sparked public uproar due to the accused’s high profile.
The deadline for the prosecutors to appeal Appeals Court’s verdict expired today (Thursday), and the Region 7 Provincial Police Bureau supported the prosecutors’ decision to not appeal the sentence to the Supreme Court.
The Appeals Court sentenced Premchai, CEO of Italian-Thai Development Corp, to 3 years and 2 months in prison without suspension, instead of just 16 months as ruled by the Thong Phaphum provincial court.
Premchai’s driver, 68-year old Yong Dodkrua, 59-year old hired hunter Thanee Thummat and 46-year old Mrs Nathee Riamsaen, a cook, were also found guilty by the Appeals Court and sentenced to 3 years and 5 months without suspension, 3 years and 9 months without suspension and 1 year and 8 months in prison, suspended for two years respectively.
All four defendants were also ordered by the Appeals Court to pay a collective two million baht in compensation to the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
They have until April 10th to appeal their sentences to the Supreme Court, after they have already sought three extensions to the deadline.
