Chalerm's second son rejoins the Army despite his dishonourable discharge in 2002 - all with the PM's blessings

By Tossaporn Wongwalakayoot,

Montien Inthaket

Daily Xpress

Prime Minister Samak Sun-daravej says he has approved Duang Yoobamrung's application to rejoin the military, adding that he is not worried about any political fallout.

Duang, the son of outspoken Interior Minister Chalerm, was dishonourably discharged in 2002 on charges of desertion. In 2001, Duang had fled to Malaysia after being accused of shooting an on-duty decorated police officer in a nightclub brawl.

He surrendered the following year and was acquitted from the charges later.

Samak, who kept quiet all yesterday morning, finally broke his silence in the afternoon after the Cabinet meeting, acknowledging that he has okayed Duang's application and that the media should not make a big deal out of it because "he is just one individual".

However, speculation is rife about Chalerm having lobbied certain channels to get his son back in the military.

Duang served as a sub-lieutenant in the Armed Forces Security Centre, the main intelligence unit for the military, before being discharged in 2001.

In an interview with Daily Xpress, Duang said he was not being "reinstated", but that he had applied to become a commissioned officer in line with "family tradition". "It's a big misunderstanding. I was not reinstated. I applied for it a few years ago with my qualifications. I didn't find out about it until the prime minister made a statement today."

Echoing Samak's reasoning, Duang's older brother Wan said his sibling has every right to return to the military because he was not found guilty of any crime.

"The court acquitted him [of alleged murder]. If Duang was not a son of Chalerm Yoobamrung, his return to the Army would not be a big issue at all," Wan said.

He added that Duang would have been a captain by now if it weren't for the legal dispute. "I beg you all to give him a chance. My family wants to make a contribution to this society."

Supatra Rodwimut, wife of murdered Sergeant Suwichai Rodwimut, said she was shocked. "I have no words to describe how I feel. I'm just an ordinary woman. I have no power to fight. I hope one day the sin he committed will catch up with him."

Supreme Commander General Boonsrang Niampradit declined to comment, saying he has yet to be informed.

xtra

IN A NUTSHELL

>> Oct 29, 2001: Sergeant Suwichai Rodwimut is shot dead inside the Twenty Pub, allegedly during a brawl with Duang Yoobamrung and his friends. Police call Duang for questioning but he disappears. Police begin a nationwide search but fail to find him.

>> May 2, 2002: After six months on the run, Duang walks into the Thai Embassy in Malaysia and says: "Help me get home". He shows up with his eldest brother, Artharn, and his uncle, Thalerng.

>> March 26, 2004: Duang is acquitted by the Criminal Court on grounds that prosecutors presented insufficient evidence and conflicting witness testimonies.

>> May 25, 2004: Suwichai's wife Supatra appeals against the verdict.

>> July 5-6 , 2004: Prosecutors and police agree not to appeal against the verdict.