Justice Minister Denies Delaying Khao Kradong Land Case
Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthapon Naowarat insists the Khao Kradong land case follows legal procedures, waiting for the EC's conclusion.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthapon Naowarat denies intentionally delaying the Khao Kradong case
- States that the DSI is following official procedures and awaiting the Election Commission's conclusion
- Urges lawyer Aun to stop using inappropriate language to set a good example for youth
- Admits arresting lawyer Aun's parents for drug offenses in 1998 strictly as part of police duty
On August 25, at Government House, Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthapon Naowarat addressed accusations made by lawyer Pattharapong Suppaksorn, widely known as Lawyer Aun Buriram, who demanded that the Ministry of Justice stop stalling the controversial Khao Kradong land dispute case. The minister firmly rejected the claims, asserting that all proceedings are strictly following legal protocols.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthapon explained the current status of the case, stating that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has already forwarded the legal dossiers to public prosecutors. Subsequently, the prosecutors instructed the agency to await the final conclusion from the Election Commission (EC), requiring the ministry to comply with the prosecutors' directive. Furthermore, the Justice Minister noted that the events surrounding the case predated his tenure, adding that if petitions had been submitted directly to the DSI bypassing the ministry, he might not have been initially aware, but he stands ready to expedite matters once notified.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The Khao Kradong land dispute is a prominent and complex property rights controversy in Buriram province that has long captured public attention. The necessity for the DSI, public prosecutors, and the Election Commission to coordinate and await formal conclusions highlights the multi-agency approach required for transparency and thoroughness in high-profile administrative investigations.
Addressing the ongoing public remarks, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthapon urged Lawyer Aun to refrain from using inappropriate language during criticism, expressing concern that such behavior might set a poor example for young people monitoring public affairs. He also clarified whether any personal grievances existed between them.
"แต่หากเป็นในอดีตเมื่อนานแล้ว ตั้งแต่สมัยที่ตนรับราชการตำรวจ เคยจับพ่อทนายอั๋น และเพื่อนครูเกี่ยวกับยาเสพติด ตั้งแต่ปี 2541 ซึ่งศาลตัดสินจำคุกตลอดชีวิต และก็ทราบว่าแม่ทนายอั๋นถูกจับในพื้นที่อื่น จำคุก 25 ปี ถือเป็นการปฏิบัติหน้าที่ ไม่มีเรื่องส่วนตัวเลย"
Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthapon Naowarat
The Justice Minister revealed a past connection from his former career as a police officer, disclosing that he had arrested Lawyer Aun's father and a fellow teacher in connection with a drug case back in 1998, which resulted in a life sentence handed down by the court. He also acknowledged that Lawyer Aun's mother had been arrested in a separate jurisdiction and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthapon emphasized that these past actions were purely official law enforcement duties without any personal animosity involved.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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