March 29th, 2009, 03:35
Something to think about next time you find yourself saying, "this is Thailand; if I ever get caught, I'll just buy my way out."
Ex-teen beauty mired in crime
By THE NATION ON SUNDAY
Published on March 29, 2009
The first runner-up of Miss Teen Thailand 2007 was arrested yesterday morning for allegedly attempting to bribe state officials to the tune of Bt300,000 to let her alleged drug-dealing boyfriend walk free.
The 20-year-old university student, Panthong "Nik" Khemthong, was arrested along with her boyfriend Chatchai Noppolkrang, 26 - who was named a major ya-ba dealer in Don Mueang area with a previous criminal record - in a police sting operation at 3.30am yesterday when they reportedly delivered the bribe to policemen.
This followed Friday night's arrest of Chatchai, wanted for selling ya-ba and Ecstasy pills since last May as well as a night-time property intrusion and assault since February 9 at a Lak Si cinema. A search of his Mini Cooper found two fake drivers' licences and a pistol.
Chatchai allegedly confessed to police that he had no ID card and used the drivers' licences in the name of Kampol Jorjong. He said he had bought the gun from fellow drug-dealers years ago. Chatchai then allegedly offered to pay Bt300,000 to the officials in exchange for his freedom. The officials played along, allowing him to get the money. An ensuing sting operation led to his re-arrest and that of his girlfriend Panthong.
The two were taken to Don Mueang police station, where police initially charged them with attempting to bribe state officials. Chatchai also faced charges of possessing and carrying a gun in public and using forged documents.
Panthong's name had previously been mentioned in crime news when a youngster shot her male friend dead on March 17 while her group was out clubbing in Chiang Mai.
http://nationmultimedia.com/2009/03/29/ ... 099117.php (http://nationmultimedia.com/2009/03/29/national/national_30099117.php)
Ex-teen beauty mired in crime
By THE NATION ON SUNDAY
Published on March 29, 2009
The first runner-up of Miss Teen Thailand 2007 was arrested yesterday morning for allegedly attempting to bribe state officials to the tune of Bt300,000 to let her alleged drug-dealing boyfriend walk free.
The 20-year-old university student, Panthong "Nik" Khemthong, was arrested along with her boyfriend Chatchai Noppolkrang, 26 - who was named a major ya-ba dealer in Don Mueang area with a previous criminal record - in a police sting operation at 3.30am yesterday when they reportedly delivered the bribe to policemen.
This followed Friday night's arrest of Chatchai, wanted for selling ya-ba and Ecstasy pills since last May as well as a night-time property intrusion and assault since February 9 at a Lak Si cinema. A search of his Mini Cooper found two fake drivers' licences and a pistol.
Chatchai allegedly confessed to police that he had no ID card and used the drivers' licences in the name of Kampol Jorjong. He said he had bought the gun from fellow drug-dealers years ago. Chatchai then allegedly offered to pay Bt300,000 to the officials in exchange for his freedom. The officials played along, allowing him to get the money. An ensuing sting operation led to his re-arrest and that of his girlfriend Panthong.
The two were taken to Don Mueang police station, where police initially charged them with attempting to bribe state officials. Chatchai also faced charges of possessing and carrying a gun in public and using forged documents.
Panthong's name had previously been mentioned in crime news when a youngster shot her male friend dead on March 17 while her group was out clubbing in Chiang Mai.
http://nationmultimedia.com/2009/03/29/ ... 099117.php (http://nationmultimedia.com/2009/03/29/national/national_30099117.php)