Bangkok: Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police confirms that he has done his utmost to arrest the suspects in the Tak Bai case. Pol. Lt. Gen. Samran Nuanma, Assistant Commissioner-General, explained that exhaustive efforts were made to apprehend the individuals involved. Despite these efforts, the statute of limitations expired, leading to the emergence of some suspects. The decision on further action now rests with higher authorities.
According to Thai News Agency, following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Narathiwat Provincial Court, the police made immediate attempts to locate and detain the suspects. Extensive searches were conducted across 52 sites, and 241 locations were put under observation, including residences of the suspects and their relatives. Despite these measures, the suspects remained elusive. The Royal Thai Police then collaborated with the International Police to issue red notices for all 14 suspects. During the investigation, it was discovered that one suspect had fled
to Japan and another to England, yet both remain at large. With the expiration of the statute of limitations, the court subsequently dismissed the case, rendering the arrest warrants invalid as per Section 39 (6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
The assistant police chief reiterated that significant efforts were made by the police and related parties to apprehend the suspects. Even after the expiration of the statute of limitations, it was reported that the district chief of Tha Uthen, identified as a suspect, resumed work. The matter is now subject to further review by higher authorities. Regarding potential police accountability for the failure to arrest the suspects, it is anticipated that Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, the national police chief, will re-examine the situation.
In response to inquiries about potential repercussions in the southern border provinces due to the inability to arrest the suspects, Pol. Lt. Gen. Samran assured that police in the region have been notified to maintain vigilance an
d safeguard the lives and property of residents, ensuring peace and order in the area.