Bangkok Court Clears Tycoon Tuhao of Drug Charges
In a dramatic courtroom conclusion to a case that captivated Thailand for over two years, Chinese businessman Chaiyanat «Tuhao» Kornchayanant, 42, his former wife, and 15 other defendants were acquitted of transnational organized crime, money laundering, and drug offenses. The Bangkok South Criminal Court delivered its verdict on Tuesday, citing insufficient evidence. Among the acquitted was Pol Col Wanthanaree Kornchayanant, Mr. Kornchayanant’s former wife and a former police officer.
The case stemmed from a high-profile raid on the Jinling Pub in Bangkok on October 26, 2022, initiated by a tip from Chuvit Kamolvisit, a former massage parlor tycoon turned anti-crime advocate. The raid revealed 104 patrons testing positive for drugs, the vast majority Chinese nationals. This sparked a sweeping investigation into Mr. Kornchayanant, whom authorities suspected of leading a triad-like organization involved in extensive illicit activities. The subsequent arrests shocked the nation.
Mr. Kornchayanant, who arrived in Thailand over two decades ago and cultivated a lavish lifestyle, including a 200-million-baht mansion and Thai citizenship, vehemently denied the allegations. He surrendered to authorities on November 23, 2022, following the issuance of an arrest warrant for drug trafficking, and was denied bail. He remained in custody until this week’s acquittal. His ex-wife, the niece of a former national police chief and government minister, was released on bail in December 2022. Her family connections added another layer of complexity to the case.
The prosecution’s case aimed to link the alleged drug operation to evidence found during the pub raid. However, the court determined the prosecution failed to establish a conclusive link, effectively dismissing the money laundering charges against all 25 defendants, including five associated companies. The court’s decision highlights the high burden of proof in such complex cases.
While the primary defendants were acquitted, the court convicted three individuals of narcotics and weapons offenses, sentencing them to 23–29 years imprisonment and fines ranging from 1.7 million to 2.8 million baht. Three others were convicted of aiding and abetting criminal activity, also receiving substantial penalties. This partial conviction suggests that while the prosecution’s broader conspiracy case failed, they secured convictions for specific criminal acts.
This high-profile case illuminates the challenges of combating transnational organized crime and money laundering in Thailand. The acquittal of Mr. Kornchayanant and his ex-wife, despite initial incriminating evidence, raises questions about securing convictions in cases involving intricate financial networks and alleged organized crime. The outcome emphasizes the importance of meticulous evidence gathering and strict adherence to due process.
The case also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the influence of powerful figures in Thai society and its potential impact on legal proceedings. Pol Col Wanthanaree Kornchayanant’s dismissal from the police force, along with five other officers, following allegations of involvement with Chinese gangs and the drug trade, underscores concerns about corruption and the need for greater transparency within law enforcement. Mr. Kornchayanant’s past political donation to the Palang Pracharath Party fueled speculation about potential influence; however, the court’s decision ultimately rested on the prosecution’s failure to provide sufficient evidence.
