Nakhon phanom: "Uncle Phon," a defendant in the high-profile case involving the tragic death of 3-year-old Nong Chompoo, has been transferred to Nakhon Phanom Central Prison. The transfer was carried out by Corrections Department officials following a court decision to extend his sentence from 20 to 26 years. Aunt Taen, his wife, visited him at the new facility, expressing her unwavering support and stating that Uncle Phon will continue to fight the charges until the Supreme Court.
According to Thai News Agency, the Region 4 Court of Appeal recently ruled to increase Mr. Chaipol Wipha's, also known as "Uncle Phon," sentence and acquitted his wife, Mrs. Somporn Hlapothi, or "Aunt Taen," in the murder case of Nong Chompoo. The young girl disappeared from her home in Mukdahan Province on May 11, 2020. Following the appeals process, the Supreme Court denied Uncle Phon's bail request due to the gravity of the case and societal impact, prompting concerns that he might attempt to flee.
Today, he was relocated from Mukdahan Provincial Prison to Nakhon Phanom Central Prison, as the former is only equipped to house prisoners serving up to 20-year sentences. Upon arrival, Uncle Phon underwent standard physical and medical examinations as part of the prison's intake procedure.
Aunt Taen traveled to Nakhon Phanom Central Prison to support her husband. She expressed her intention to stand by Uncle Phon as he pursues further legal action in the Supreme Court. Although she was not able to speak with him or bring food, her visit underscored the couple's determination to continue their legal battle.
Ms. Kanokwan Jiwchuephan, Commander of Nonthaburi Provincial Prison and Deputy Spokesperson for the Department of Corrections, confirmed the details of Uncle Phon's transfer. She explained that Mukdahan Provincial Prison had prepared for the transfer after the Court of Appeals denied bail, citing the extended sentence that exceeded their detention capacity. Upon arrival, Uncle Phon cooperated fully with officials and did not exhibit signs of stress.
The deputy spokesperson also mentioned that Uncle Phon is under a five-day COVID-19 quarantine, during which time he can consult with his lawyer and receive family visits starting August 20. After the quarantine, he will be moved to a high-security unit. His first meal at the new facility was pork congee, which he reportedly consumed without issue.