Ex-park chief, 3 associates bailed ahead of ‘Billy’ trial

Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, centre, the former Kaeng Krachan National Park chief, along with three others facing multiple charges in connection with the disappearance and murder of a Karen rights activist, Porlajee 'Billy' Rakchong­cha­roen, in 2014, has been granted bail after being indicted yesterday.  Apichart Jinakul
Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, centre, the previous Kaeng Krachan National Park chief, along with three others dealing with multiple charges regarding the disappearance and murder of a Karen rights activist, Porlajee ‘Billy’ Rakchong­cha­roen, within 2014, has been granted bail after being indicted yesterday. Apichart Jinakul

The Central Lawbreaker Court for Problem and Misconduct Cases has granted bail to Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, the former Kaeng Krachan National Park key, and three others facing multiple charges in connection with the disappearance and murder of the Karen rights activist in 2014.

Department associated with Special Investigation (DSI) officials yesterday got Mr Chaiwat, Bunthaen Butsarakham, Thanaset Chaemthet and Kritsanaphong Chitthet to the Office from the Attorney-General (OAG) exactly where they were indicted.

The charged later appeared in court where these people immediately applied for plus were granted bail on the condition they cannot leave the country without having permission or intimidate witnesses.

Each defendant published an 800, 000-baht surety to the courtroom.

All are accused associated with involvement in the disappearance and death associated with Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen and face costs that include premeditated murder, unlawful detention and concealment of a cadaver, and intimidating the particular victim using weapons, according to the DSI.

Speaking to reporters as he arrived at the OAG, Mr Chaiwat maintained his purity and said that he was not worried about the case.

“I deny all the claims and am innocent. I will only give a full statement in court, ” he said.

Porlajee was final seen on April 17, 2014, whenever he was jailed by Mr Chaiwat and several other recreation area officers at Ma Rew checkpoint within the park, which is located at the main entrance to Bang Kloy village in Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan area.