Former Kaeng Krachan park chief gets 3 years over disappearance of Billy

Nine years after the enforced disappearance of Karen human rights activist Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases sentenced former Kaeng Krachan nation park chief Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn, to three years in prison today (Thursday).

The court found him guilty of malfeasance in office, under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, for his failure to present Porlajee to the police after his arrest for illegal possession of wild bee honey.  Other more serious charges against him, including murder and abduction, were dismissed by the court due to insufficient evidence.

Three other co-defendants, who were park officials under Chaiwat’s supervision, were acquitted, also due to insufficient evidence. Chaiwat was later released on bail.

Responding to the verdicts, Porlajee’s widow, Pinnapa, said, with tears in her eyes, that she is…