BANGKOK: The National Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, has emphasized the urgent pursuit of suspects in the Tak Bai case, with only days remaining before the statute of limitations expires. The police have conducted extensive operations, including 29 searches and over 180 monitored checkpoints, to ensure the suspects are apprehended in time.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Kittirat revealed the progress in tracking down the 14 suspects involved in the Tak Bai case, which dates back to 2004. The case has seen judgments issued by the Pattani and Narathiwat provincial courts for compensation, leading to subsequent lawsuits and arrest warrants. In an effort to expedite the investigation, the national police chief visited Provincial Police Region 9 and issued directives to intensify the search operations.
The pursuit is divided into administrative and operational components. The administrative side includes recording arrest warrants in the crime system, coordinating with the Foreign Affairs Div
ision for red notices, and circulating investigation letters. The operational side involves conducting searches and ensuring compliance with the Anti-Enforced Disappearance Act. Pol. Gen. Kittirat also instructed the continuous monitoring of checkpoints to prevent suspects from fleeing abroad, in line with the Prime Minister’s orders.
Despite efforts, some suspects are believed to have fled the country before the issuance of arrest warrants. However, the police remain vigilant in their tracking efforts. Pol. Gen. Kittirat stated that the focus remains on apprehending the suspects within the statute of limitations, without delving into potential political implications or legal amendments regarding the case’s timeline.
Regarding potential consequences if the statute of limitations expires, Pol. Gen. Kittirat stressed the police’s commitment to maintaining peace in the southern border provinces. He reiterated the separation of the ongoing efforts to resolve the Tak Bai case from other regional issues, undersco
ring the police’s dedication to their duty under the law. The national police chief remains resolute in his determination to bring the suspects to justice.