Thai police defend Koh Tao murders investigations
Police Spokesman Pol General Dejnarong Sutticharnbancha Sunday held a press conference alongside investigators, forensic officials and forensic doctors to boost public confidence in the police investigation and gathering of evidence.
“We work based on the principle of transparency and fairness,” he said.
He said the public could have confidence in Thailand’s judicial process because there were effective check-and-balance mechanisms in the process.
Koh Pha Ngan Police Station’s superintendent Pol Colonel Prachum Ruangthong said public prosecutors had asked police to improve investigation report three times before the case was accepted for prosecution.
“We have handled the case very carefully,” he said.
He denied reports that the defendants were tortured into confessing to the crimes.
“Those reports are groundless. Doctors have examined the defendants’ physical health and there is no sign of torture,” Prachum said.
He also denied rumours that police had relied on the interpretation services of a man who had had conflicts with the defendants.
