Police play down car bomb probe
Police backtracked in their investigation into the alleged car-bomb plot against ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, saying they could only bring a charge of unlawful possession of explosives against Lieutenant Thawatchai Klinchana.
Spokesman Lt-General Ajiravid Subarnbhesaj yesterday went back on the firm earlier stance that the police had evidence of the assassination plot on Thaksin to now saying the investigation could only find a clear offence of unlawful possession of explosives. Police still had work to do in gathering evidence about the alleged plot, he said, adding that he will make an announcement about the case today. Crime Suppression Commander Lt-General Montri Jamroon suspended the meeting of case investigators. Montri had earlier said police would quickly gather evidence and conclude the case for the military court prosecutors, and would push for an early hearing for the three state witnesses due to the fear they might change their testimonies. Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Maj-General Jate Mongkonhatthee said yesterday he could not tell what the investigation team will do next, pending further instruction from their commander. "It should not be a problem because, according to the justice system, the police still have the legal authority to gather evidence for the prosecutors," he said. A source said some police were worried the recent coup would affect the probe, as witnesses were now lacking confidence and the suspects were high-ranking Army officers. Thawatchai was arrested on August 24 in a car loaded with explosive devices not far from Thaksin's residence. The ensuing police investigation into the alleged assassination plot implicated four Army officers who, like Thawatchai, also worked at the Internal Security Operations Command. They included Maj-General Phairoj Theerapharb, Colonel Suraphol Supradit, Lt-Colonel Manas Sukprasert and Sgt-Major Chakhrit Janthara. Previous statements had said that Thawatchai would face four additional charges - the attempted murder of an acting official; the attempted murder of others; criminal conspiracy; and forging and using official documents. At the office of the Crime Suppression Division, the detained Chakhrit, who had implicated other Army officers, appeared worried following the coup as soldiers were being stationed in front of the building.
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