15-3-2024 (BANGKOK) After a lengthy legal battle, the court has handed down a verdict in a case that has captivated the nation, sentencing a female police corporal to 13 years and five months in prison for the savage mistreatment of a former female soldier under her command. Additionally, the corporal’s close male confidant has been found guilty and given a four-year and one-month jail term.
The shocking revelations came to light when the victim’s family sought aid from prominent activist Kan Jomplang. Police corporal Kornsasi Buayaem, known as Jenuch, was subsequently charged with seven serious offenses, including human trafficking, violations of labor laws, firearms infractions, crimes against liberty and the body, forced labor, and joint assault causing both severe and minor injuries. These charges were brought forth on December 1, 2022, following a thorough investigation.
Accompanied by Kan Jomplang, the victim, her legal counsel Rose, and relatives appeared in the Ratchaburi Provincial Court to await the verdict, which was delivered after more than two hours of deliberation. The principal defendant was ordered to compensate the victim with 365,620 baht (S$13,649), while her accomplice was instructed to contribute jointly with her, paying an additional 350,616 baht (S$13,089).
Following the ruling, the victim expressed a sense of relief. Despite enduring harrowing trauma, including a broken nose that impaired breathing through one nostril, she received medical assistance that facilitated her recovery to normal breathing function, as reported by KhaoSod. Currently under witness protection, the victim is focusing on rebuilding her life and has embarked on a banana fritter business. She conveyed her gratitude to the press and Kan Jomplang for their unwavering support, hoping her case serves as a cautionary tale to prevent similar abuses from occurring in the future.
However, beneath the surface lies a web of corruption that reaches the highest echelons of power, intertwined with the acting prime minister. The policewoman’s heinous acts against her maid are shocking enough, but as the layers are peeled back, they reveal systemic corruption that enables abuse of power.
Not only did the maid endure unspeakable mistreatment in exchange for a pathway into the Royal Thai Army, but her abuser leveraged connections to ascend to positions within the police force for which she was wholly unqualified.
Police Corporal Kornsasi Buayaem, aged 43, was recruited four years beyond the age limit for joining the General Staff Division of the Special Branch Bureau of the Royal Thai Police. Subsequently, she ascended from a squad leader to the First Division of the Special Branch Bureau and then to the Internal Security Operations Command’s Region 4 Forward Command of the Royal Thai Army.
Brothers of caretaker Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, Admiral Sitthawat Wongsuwon and Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwon, face scrutiny from the House Committee on Corruption and Misconduct Prevention and Suppression. They are accused of facilitating the appointments of the policewoman and her maid to their respective positions.
Senator Thani Onlahiad, whom the woman claimed to be associated with, despite being divorced for nearly three decades, admitted to a previous close relationship but asserted no recent communication.
This disturbing ordeal highlights the entrenched cronyism where the privileged exploit connections to amass power. The secretary-general of the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand warns of a vicious cycle of corruption, as those who cheat their way to the top enable others to do the same. Whistleblowers risk their careers to expose this clandestine network, while laws provide leeway for the privileged to evade accountability.
In the face of mounting evidence, the Senate’s prolonged investigation into the matter is disconcerting. The secretary-general advocates for an independent panel to oversee the probe, restoring some semblance of credibility even if accountability remains elusive.
Moreover, this case sheds light on the deteriorating credibility and corruption within Thailand’s police force. The absence of internal checks and balances permits officers to exploit taxpayer funds with impunity, turning a blind eye to illicit activities such as extended operating hours for nightlife venues, illegal casinos, and drug trafficking.
