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Somchai KhunpluemThai politician, businessman and one of the bosses of local organized crime
Date of Birth: 30.09.1937
Country:  Thailand |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Business Empire
- Political Involvement
- Alleged Murder and Corruption
- Fugitive and Arrest
- Family
Early Life and Career
Somchai Khunplome was born on September 30, 1937, in Chonburi, Thailand, to a village chief. As the second child among eight siblings, he left school after the fourth grade to work as a waiter's assistant. After stints as a soldier and a monk, Somchai partnered with a French businessman in the fishing industry in 1963 and married Satil Sancharoen, the daughter of a fish trader. He subsequently established the construction company Bang Saen Maha Nakhon.
Business Empire
Somchai's early fishing business grew into a vast economic empire spanning various industries, with construction companies and real estate ventures bringing in significant revenue. However, he also engaged in illicit activities, including the smuggling of strategic goods to Vietnam and Cambodia during the civil wars.
Political Involvement
Somchai's influence extended beyond business into politics. In the 1970s, he campaigned for the Social Action Party. He later supported the Justice Unity Party, the National Development Party, and the Thai Nation Party. Despite not holding any major government positions, Somchai was considered one of Thailand's most powerful political figures until 2004. His endorsements consistently secured victories for his favored parties in Chonburi province.
Alleged Murder and Corruption
Somchai Khunplome and local councilor Passakorn Homhuan were accused of orchestrating the murder of a neighboring district chief, Prayoon Sithichote, in 2003. They were convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison in June 2004. While appealing the sentence on bail, Somchai was also convicted in a corruption case related to the operation of a garbage dump, receiving an additional five years and four months of imprisonment.
Fugitive and Arrest
Somchai failed to appear for the court hearing and fled justice, spending several years on the run. He was finally apprehended on January 30, 2013, while on his way to a hospital in Bangkok.
Family
Somchai Khunplome's sons include Sontaya Khunplome, a prominent businessman and politician who led the Pattaya United F.C. and served as Minister of Culture and Tourism; Wittaya Khunpluem, a politician and president of Chonburi F.C.; and Ittipol Khunplome, the mayor of Pattaya.
