Originally published in Associated Press by Kawaeewit Kaewjinda, 21 July 2017 —
BANGKOK, THAILAND — A Thai army general was one of dozens of people convicted in a major human trafficking trial that included 103 defendants accused of involvement in a modern-day slavery trade.
Lt. Gen. Manas Kongpaen was convicted of several offenses Wednesday involving trafficking and taking bribes in the case involving migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh. He was sentenced to 27 years in prison.
He had held a position with responsibility for keeping out and expelling migrants who entered Thailand illegally.
At least one other defendant considered a kingpin in the illegal trade, Pajjuban Aungkachotephan, was also found guilty. He was a prominent businessman and former politician in the southern province of Satun. He received 75 years in prison.
All the defendants were charged with human trafficking and had pleaded not guilty…more here.
HUMAN RIGHTS SOCIETY 