Gemscentric

Written by Julian Robov


Twenty Seven


Malee walked into Prapan’s office on Trirat Road—with a copy of a new construction project, which had been going through several technical problems, due to partnership wrangling. In fact, he wanted to turn Chantaburi into the colored stone center of the world, if everything went well according to his plan. His political connections reached beyond the borders of Thailand. Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Burma. All were rich in various colored gems of different qualities. Chantaburi was the cash-rich province, and he believed in the need for education, training, and professionalism. The vision he had was to turn Chantaburi into a Tucson (Arizona)-like environment for the benefit of all, especially for the Asians. Tucson was considered the best gemstone show of the world—for that two to three weeks—bringing in to the region multilateral benefits in various forms. Chantaburi had the skills and experiences, but lacked men with balls. Prapan was determined to do something about it, despite his early setbacks. If his partners were not receptive to his ideas, then he was going to do it his way, and the only person who stood by him was his wife. She was his third arm, and she understood his mindset, and knew how to get on with the work.
The gem traders in Chantaburi respected him for his steadfast support for the trade as a whole. He did all he could to help the traders, if there were any disputes or business malpractices. His idea was to create a conflict-free zone, and a pleasant working environment so that people from outside Chantaburi—felt the difference, and thought twice, before going elsewhere. He was successful so far, and wished more and more gem dealers from around the country and the world did business in Chantaburi, bringing prosperity and quality of life to the province.

Malee left Prapan’s office, after noting his comments for further consultation with their partners. Now what worried Prapan more was the bomb explosion, and Rudy’s arrival to the trading scene, after a lapse of six years in the jungles of Cambodia. He was reading a report from his own investigation, and the details didn’t look good for Chantaburi’s image. There was one Jeffrey Generall, another Seri Fonhlaeng a.k.a Bobby, a recalcitrant Meechai, and a dubious Chan. They all had the hallmark of a Mafia operation, and the most shocking information was the invisible hand of Ta Mok, a Cambodian with several illicit connections. They were after Rudy and his men, and the only place they could take revenge was Chantaburi.

Prapan couldn’t concentrate in his work, as he pondered the severity of the problems facing the region. If he didn’t act quickly, all his friends in Chantaburi and Bangkok, especially the Prime Minister, would be blaming him for the inaction. He knew Rudy and his partners too well, and they were no security risk to the business, and the country as a whole. There was no room for compassion for Rudy’s enemies, as he knew Seri and Jeffrey. They weren’t visible like others, but never got into public conflict till recently. That indicated some sort of easy money coming from dubious sources, and knowing Ta Mok’s reputation as a confirmed thug, only someone more powerful and influential could have brought them to justice. The only man Prapan knew who could help him accomplish the goal was Hun Sen. Given the access Prapan had to Hun Sen’s cronies, he decided to do something about it, before it was too late.

He then closed the file, and called Malee on his cell-phone to remind her that he was going to be late for lunch.
The telephone rang.
“Khun Prapan!” Rudy called.
“Rudy! What a surprise?” Prapan said, switching off his second cell-phone.
“I have to tell you this. Jeffrey and his friends are after me. The blue BMW belongs to Suvit, Jeffrey’s right-hand man in Chonburi, and this morning, one Chai called to remind me to be more careful, when I am in Chantaburi. I don’t understand. You have to help me this time. Only you have the power to stop these thugs,” Rudy said frantically.
“Where are you calling from?” Prapan asked.
“Bangkok. I am trying to complete a partnership deal with Seri, and my friends are combing through the final draft. It should be all over in a matter of few weeks. Then I am back in business. But it looks like Jeffrey and his thugs with the help of some Chantaburi folk are determined to silence me for obvious reasons,” Rudy added.
The mention of Seri alarmed Prapan. He couldn’t understand why on earth Rudy was preparing to indulge in a partnership deal with Seri, when he was one among the several conspirators in the whole plot to eliminate Rudy and his friends. There was no business logic behind such a move unless more details were available.
“I need to talk to you urgently. I will be seeing you tomorrow afternoon. Time and location—you will know, after I reach Bangkok, “ Prapan said tactfully.
“Done. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you, Khun Prapan,” Rudy said, and hung up.