From the BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-41966741
A complex case, no doubt. And a highly political one too.
For those who don't know, the Srivaddhanaprabhas (copy & paste) were very much in the favour of the previous king - a man who was generally beloved by the Thai people. Indeed, he was the one who granted them that new surname - a great honour within Thai society. That this story has come about since his death, and is now accelerating after the year of mourning in Thailand has come to a close, is no coincidence.
The key point is this: Whether that makes them guilty but previously protected, or innocent but now unprotected and open to new corruption, is unclear. It may also be a combination thereof.
How this also affects Leicester City and OH Leuven is also yet to be seen, although it's worth noting that, given Vichai's stated wealth, this is hardly going to bankrupt him despite the sizable numbers being quoted. The concern would be, in the case of new Thai corruption, that this would only be the start and that a new administration would be keen to find ways of getting more and more off him. We shall have to watch as this case develops.
King Power being sued
posted on 13/11/17
It's not what you know, but who you know. Isn't that what somebody once said?
The Srivaddhanaprabhas (copy & paste) made their money after being given the monopoly on duty free at Thai airports. That seems like an act that would be questioned once the regime changed.
From what I've heard the new regime need cool, hard, cash - so they're going after what they can get. I'm not sure that it's much more than that really. So I'd expect some sort of bung to go their way so that King Power can retain their favourable commercial conditions.
posted on 13/11/17
Don't understand this at all, will see what Stringer and co make of it this evening on the phone-in.
posted on 13/11/17
Out of interest does anyone know who formally granted the owners with the duty free airport monopoly? I'll give you a clue - he used to own man city
posted on 13/11/17
My bigger concern is that this is a sign that the new powers in Thailand would be ready to strip KP of their monopoly, which would have huge implications to their business model if this occurred.
Not that I personally agree with that principle in the first place mind!!
However, I’m not at all suggesting that in Thailand things are more corrupt (just different), but I imagine a few quid in the direction of the new powers should hopefully help smooth things over for the foreseeable future.
posted on 13/11/17
My fear is that ifour owners are up for corruption charges, FIFA will come sniffing around and want the Sivas to run them
The truth is that none of us know what this is really about
321 million is a drop in the ocean to these lads. The principle of it could be the bigger problem.
UTF
posted on 14/11/17
Once the monopoly is removed - and it will be - they will have no choice but to pull the plug on Leicester. Not because £320m will harm them, but because lesser ventures will have to be abandoned.
Leicester are very much a lesser venture.
posted on 14/11/17
Having done work for kingpower and knowledge of the Dutyfree market. You bid for the rights for the whole Market. Kingpower won that and then had it taken away only to be returned.
Its a lucrative business that i am sure many would like to get their hands on. Also king power have Duty free business's in the region including Macau etc.
I am sure they will be counter suing and any fans of other clubs concerned don't be as unlike most of you we are winners of the Premier League we are a highly sell-able commodity.
posted on 14/11/17
Also they are trying to sue the airport management company as well so its not all down to them.
posted on 14/11/17
Vichai has issued a statement saying that there has not been a decision made to prosecute in this case
posted on 14/11/17
comment by Mr Chin (U16263)
posted 10 hours, 20 minutes ago
Once the monopoly is removed - and it will be - they will have no choice but to pull the plug on Leicester. Not because £320m will harm them, but because lesser ventures will have to be abandoned.
Leicester are very much a lesser venture.
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Thanks for the clarification.
Keep up the good work so far this season and you'll be in with a chance of playing against us lesser mortals next year!