Former National Park Chief Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn acquitted of murder but sentenced to three years in prison for dereliction of duty regarding the disappearance of the Karen rights activist Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen. The case drew significant attention from human rights groups and Billy’s wife plans to appeal the ruling to verify his disappearance.
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Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn: Convicted of Misconduct
Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, the former chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, has been found not guilty of murder in the high-profile disappearance of Karen rights activist Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen, which occurred nine years ago. However, Chaiwat has been sentenced to three years in prison for dereliction of duty in connection with Billy’s detention. This case has drawn significant attention from human rights groups.
While Chaiwat’s three accused subordinates were cleared of all charges, with the court stating they were merely following their superior’s orders, Chaiwat himself plans to appeal his conviction under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the conduct of public officials. The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases approved an 800,000 baht bail for Chaiwat and prohibited him from leaving the country.
The Disappearance of Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen
Billy was last seen on April 17, 2014, when he was detained by Chaiwat and other park officers at a checkpoint at the entrance to Bang Kloi village in Kaeng Krachan district of Phetchaburi. Wild bee honey and a motorcycle were confiscated from him at the time. Billy was en route to a meeting with indigenous Karen villagers to prepare for a hearing in their lawsuit against park officers, including Chaiwat, for forced evictions and the burning of their homes.
The court found Chaiwat guilty of dereliction of duty for not reporting Billy’s arrest and handing him over to the police. Regarding the charge of forced detention, the court stated that a witness saw the four defendants taking Billy to a vehicle, but no weapons were used to force him.
No witnesses could confirm the defendants’ claim that they released Billy near an intersection. Simultaneously, no witnesses appeared to testify that the four defendants had unlawfully detained the activist.
Insufficient Evidence for Murder Charges
In examining the murder charges, the court stated that forensic results could not establish that bones found by Department of Special Investigation (DSI) agents in 2019 belonged to Billy. When the DSI initially attempted to press murder charges, prosecutors believed that the DNA evidence was not conclusive.
The court observed that the plaintiffs could not determine whether Billy was still alive or deceased. The evidence presented could not convince the court that the four defendants had committed murder.
Family and Legal Reactions
Pornpen Khongkhachornkiart, a lawyer representing Billy’s wife, said her client planned to appeal the ruling. Since Chaiwat was found guilty of not following proper procedure in connection with the detention of a suspect, Billy is still considered a missing person. Consequently, state officials are obligated to verify his disappearance.
Billy’s wife, Pinnapa “Mueno” Preuksapan, burst into tears after hearing the ruling. Despite the outcome, she vowed to continue fighting until all lingering doubts about her husband’s whereabouts are resolved.
Chaiwat’s Current Status
Chaiwat, 59, was dismissed from his role in the burning of Karen villagers’ homes in the national park nearly a decade ago. However, he challenged the decision, and the Phetchaburi Administrative Court reinstated him as a civil servant in September of the previous year. In February this year, he was appointed the new chief of the National Parks Office.
According to Athapol Charoenshunsa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Chaiwat can continue performing his work since the court case against him is not yet final.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the outcome of the trial for former National Park Chief Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn?
Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, the former chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, was acquitted of murder in the case of the disappearance of Karen rights activist Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen. However, Chaiwat was sentenced to three years in prison for dereliction of duty relating to Billy’s detention. Chaiwat plans to appeal his conviction.
2. What are the details surrounding Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen’s disappearance?
Billy was last seen on April 17, 2014, detained by Chaiwat and other park officers at a checkpoint. Wild bee honey and a motorcycle were confiscated from him at the time. He was en route to a meeting with indigenous Karen villagers for a hearing in their lawsuit against park officers, including Chaiwat, for forced evictions and the burning of their homes. The court found Chaiwat guilty of dereliction of duty for not reporting Billy’s arrest and handing him over to the police.
3. How has Billy’s family responded to the court ruling, and what are their plans?
Billy’s wife, Pinnapa “Mueno” Preuksapan, plans to appeal the ruling. She is determined to continue fighting until all lingering doubts about her husband’s whereabouts are resolved. Since Chaiwat was found guilty of not following proper procedure in connection with the detention of a suspect, Billy is still considered a missing person, and state officials are obligated to verify his disappearance.
