The Army Commander-in-Chief has said an exiled extremist redshirt could be a suspect in the recent blast at a hospital run by the Army, adding the junta might bring back military trials for those who commit crimes against national security.
On 25 May 2017, Gen Charlermchai Sitthisat, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, revealed that the authorities have compiled a list of suspects who could be behind the recent bombing of Phramongkutklao Hospital in Bangkok, run by the Royal Thai Army.
One is Wuthipong ‘Ko Tee’ Kachathamkun, the leader of a hardcore red-shirt group who is living in exile in Laos. The Commander said the junta has already asked the Lao government to deport him but has received no response.
He emphasised that the accusation is merely an initial assumption, since the investigation is only at early stages.
“Right now, people being hunted by the police are just suspects, including those who visited the hospital at that time who are thought to have planted the bomb, including Ko Tee who is just one suspect in the frame,” stated Chalermchai. “Regarding whether anyone with a colour [red or yellow shirt] turns out to be involved, I can’t answer because they are all suspects. We suspect anyone. But to say it’s this person or that person, we need clear evidence to identify someone. … A random guess will not benefit society.”
The commander also confirmed that the authorities have increased security measures after the blast, especially in crowded areas, and asked the public not to panic.
Chalermchai added that the junta is discussing the possibility of putting national security cases back under the jurisdiction of the military courts. No official order or policy has been implemented, however.
(left) Gen Charlermchai Sitthisat (right) Wuthipong ‘Ko Tee’ Kachathamkun (Photo from Matichon Online)
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