Teerarak Suthathiwong
Eleven months after they kidnapped, robbed and raped two Russian
women on Christmas night 2012, an accused murderer, a Pattaya jet ski
vendor and a third man have been sentenced to more than a combined 100
years in prison.
Thongchai Jandee
Pattaya Provincial Court Judge Kasichol Wongwaichol
handed down the sentences for Vichen Jaija, 36, Thongchai Jandee, 21,
and Anuwat Wat-Onn, 33, Nov. 20.
Vichen, who had been wanted on unrelated murder charges in Kamphaeng
Phet, was sentenced to 41 years. Anuwat, who worked in Pattaya’s
much-maligned jet-ski rental industry, received 46 ˝ years and Thongchai
was sentenced to 21 ˝ years. All will serve out their time at Chonburi
prison.
Chief Justice Apichart Thepnu noted that the case had been publicized
around the globe, doing tremendous damage to Pattaya’s tourism industry.
The three men were arrested a week after they used a handgun and knife
to abduct the two 30s-age Russians from Pratamnak Soi 2 early Dec. 26
and transport them to a shack near the Channok Reservoir where they were
sexually assaulted.
Vichen Jaija
Vichen and Thongchai confessed they had hauled the
women from the truck and raped them while Anuwat stood watch.
Anuwat, who said this was his first offense, claimed
Vichen and Thongchai appeared at his house on Thepprasit Soi 5 with
drugs, then suggested they cruise Pattaya. After spotting the Russians,
who were on the way back to their hotel after a night partying on
Walking Street, Anuwat said the initial plan was only to rob the pair.
However, he said, Vichen insisted on raping them.
Anuwat Wat-Onn