Bangkok: The appeals court sentenced Prin Panichpakdi, former deputy leader of the Democrat Party, to three years in prison without suspension of sentence for charges related to child abduction and indecent acts. This decision comes in response to an appeal filed by the public prosecutor after the initial dismissal of the case by the Criminal Court.
According to Thai News Agency, the case dates back to April 25, 2018, when the defendant was accused of abducting a 17-year-old girl for indecent purposes. The prosecution alleged that the defendant committed indecent acts in a private van, with the victim unable to resist. The Criminal Court initially dismissed the charges, citing insufficient evidence of abduction and noting that the incident was time-barred for an indecent act settlement.
However, upon appeal, the Court of Appeal determined that the statute of limitations had not expired, as the case had been ongoing since the incident. The court found that the defendant's actions did constitute abduction, as it involved removing the minor from her parents' custody without consent. Consequently, the appeals court overturned the lower court's ruling and sentenced Prin Panichpakdi to a total of three years in prison for both offenses.
The court emphasized that the defendant's actions amounted to multiple offenses, warranting punishment for each. The judgment reverses the earlier acquittal, aligning with the plaintiff's appeal and ensuring accountability for the defendant's actions.
Reporters noted that Mr. Parinya, also known as Prin Panichpakdi, faces several other charges related to similar offenses, with multiple cases currently being processed at the Bangkok South Criminal Court.