Pattaya Daily News

Pattaya, the 8^th of July 2010 [PDN]: Mikhail Pletnev the world-famous Russian pianist, conductor, and composer is currently facing charges of having had sexual relations with a minor along with suspected involvement with a child prostitution ring operating in Thailand’s seaside resort of Pattaya.

Regardless of the serious charges and accusations being levelled at Mr. Pletnev, who vehemently refutes all allegations, a Thai court on Wednesday granted him permission to travel from the Kingdom for work commitments. The magistrate cited Mr. Pletnev’s notoriety as the reason for the decision, conditionally approving the travel request provided that Mr. Pletnev present himself to the court on the 18^th of July. Reportedly, Mr. Pletnev departed the country for Moscow on Wednesday evening, immediately following his court appearance.

Various local and international media sources are now reporting that Mr. Pletnev’s arrest was part of a “money grabbing” operation by police and low-level government administrations. Accusations of false charges and police corruption have forced many to question the legitimacy of the original arrest especially considering Mr. Pletnev’s subsequent bail and lenient treatment by the courts.

Lieutenant Colonel Ormsin Sukkankha (Banglamung Police Investigator & Chief of Children & Woman Protection Center Region 2) revealed that the most recent arrests of suspects involved with child prostitution and indecent acts against minors were part of an ongoing crackdown on such matters by local, regional and national police. The arrests were made in coalition with the newly formed “Stop violence against women campaign” at the behest of Her Royal Highness Princess Phatcharakitiyapha.

Asked specifically about Mr. Pletnev’s case and the controversy surrounding it, Lt. Col. Sukkankha explained that Mr. Pletnev was arrested in due process regarding an ongoing investigation into an alleged child prostitution racket operating in Pattaya. He explained that Mr. Pletnev was granted bail in accordance with Royal Thai Police procedures and that the courts decision to grant travel permission was independent of the police.

Lt. Col. Sukkankha revealed that the detained, documented procedures that police are required to follow; including the involvement of several governmental and non-governmental administrations makes corruption in such matters highly unlikely. He further explained that any allegations of wrongdoing or corruption would be investigated in accordance with Thai law.

Due to Mr. Pletnev’s standing in the Russian and International community the Russian Orthodox Church of Thailand have revealed that despite not condoning criminal and indecent acts against children, they believe Mr. Pletnev’s case should be treated in accordance with the correct processes. Asked whether the church would consider representing or assisting Mr. Pletnev, the Archimandrite Oleg Cherepanin explained that he would have no reason to refuse someone asking for pastoral care but that he doubted Mr. Pletnev would request any other form of assistance given his propensity to support himself.

Although not in the position to comment further on the case, Mr. Pletnev has vehemently denied involvement in the charges, but has been reluctant to allege any wrongdoing by the Thai authorities claiming “they have a responsibility to investigate any claims of this nature regardless of whom the suspect. It is a necessity.”

Despite confirming reports that he was a friend of arrested suspect, Mr. Traiphop Bunphasong, he denied having any knowledge of the man’s involvement with child prostitution or any other illegal activities. “I knew him as an artist,” stated Mr. Pletnev, also confirming that he paid the man to look after his residential properties in the area whilst he was frequently away on business.

The career damaging implications of the charges being levelled against Mr. Pletnev have already begun to take their toll, with the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana (literal translation; Orchestra of Italian Switzerland) deciding to suspend their involvement with him pending the conclusions of his current criminal trial. “It is with great disappointment and regret that we announce, based on serious allegations being levelled at Mr. Mikhail Pletnev, we have decided to temporarily suspend professional  interactions with the artist until the completion of investigations into the matter,” stated an unnamed spokesman for the Orchestra of Italian Switzerland (OSI). Mr. Pletnev has been the principle guest conductor with the OSI since his honourable appointed in 2008.

Related News:

Exclusive Follow-up with Accused Russian Paedophile

Following the arrest of a reputable Russian musician over child pornography and prostitution allegations in Pattaya on Monday, Pattaya Daily News has managed to obtain an exclusive interview with the man himself, Mr. Mikhail Pletnev.

Russian Arrested During Child Prostitution Busts in Pattaya

A Russian national has been arrested for his involvement in a child prostitution network operating in Pattaya. The arrest follows Sundays bust on a Thai man thought to be the main agent in the operation involved with procuring young boys for largely foreign clientele.

Read our Russian version at; www.pattayadailynews.com/ru/

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• Pletnev Scandals Detailed Upon his Return to Moscow
• Russian Church Remain Impartial over Pletnev Case

Extensive Gallery [ 5 photos ]