Five Thais stuck in Pakistan still being grilled
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PAKISTAN was still questioning the five Thai students who tried to board a plane with a pistol and ammunition - and Lahore police have already referred the case to the Federation Investigation Agency, a security source said yesterday.
The move may dash the hopes of their families to see them return home soon.
There had been reports that four of the students would be released, as they were not the owners of the box with the pistol and ammunition found wrapped in foil.
The source claimed the five took turns carrying the box so they were all questioned. The students were detained as they were about to board Thai Airways flight TG346, which left Lahore International Airport on June 12 at 11.40pm and arrived in Thailand at 6.10am.
The Thai government |has dismissed as groundless reports that linked the |students at a religious school in Pakistan to the insurgency in the southern part of Thailand or the Islamic State militant group of Iraq and Syria.
Norachit Sinhaseni, permanent secretary of the Foreign Ministry, said the Thai Embassy in Islamabad would do its best to provide assistance to the students, with a focus on their welfare, so that they are treated according to the law.
“In case their case goes to court, the embassy will help find lawyers,” he said.
In principle, carrying weapons into an airport is a|n offence no matter whether the bearer intentionally did |it or somebody asked him |to do it.
Norachit was apparently responding to reports that a teacher had asked the students to carry the box and give it to his friend.
