Again, politicians abuse the law

Contrary to PM Yingluck's vow to uphold the rule of law, clear signs abound that Kamnan Poh, convicted of premeditated murder most foul, and corruption, is as close to being above the law as his clan's immense influence can make it.

For example, Corrections Department chief Police Colonel Suchart Wong-Ananchai said he approved Kamnan Poh's transfer to Chonburi Prison since "he will feel better because his relatives can now visit him easily. An escape is not possible because he is now old."

So, Colonel, it's the Correction Department's job to make convicts feel better? Despite his age, he was perfectly capable of eluding the cops until a week ago, wasn't he? And he was in Chon Buri Prison for just 10 minutes before being whisked to a VIP room at Chon Buri Hospital, with prison director Amnart Prachyaphan saying the transfer was justified because the prison had the duty to save the convict's life. If that's true, Khun Amnart, then if, say, a no-name prisoner needs balloon surgery on his heart, or chemotherapy, you'll approve his transfer to an outside hospital also? And Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobumrung says that there will be no prosecution of those who aided and abetted the murderer during his seven-year flight, despite the clear criminal liability for such acts.

As Cornelius Vanderbilt said, "Law! What do I care about the law. Don't I have the power?" PM Yingluck and DPM Chalerm should recall His Majesty's wise words, "If the country does not follow the rule of law, it will not survive," and enforce the law without favour.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok