Samut Prakan police find proof refuting protest guard’s abduction claim, set to file charges

He said he had been pulled into a van as he was making his way to his dormitory in Muang Samut Prakan’s Soi Judsun Sanoh.

Mongkol’s nightlong disappearance saw members of the pro-democracy group and guards gather outside the Internal Security Operations Command in Bangkok's Dusit district on Sunday morning to demand answers.

Samut Prakan police chief Chumpol Pumpuang said after Mongkol filed a police complaint on Sunday afternoon, a team of investigators checked CCTV footage in the area indicated by Mongkol to find clues of the so-called abduction.

“The team found that after Mongkol finished shopping at a convenience store in Samut Prakan’s Soi Bang Pu Municipality 30 on Saturday night, he went to Ingthan Place building in Soi Bang Pu Municipality 47 before leaving the building at 11.57am on Sunday," Chumpol said, adding that Mongkol had spent the night alone in a room on the eighth floor.

“The team also found he had used an ATM at the time he claimed he was abducted,” he said.

The police chief said investigators will also check to see if other people were also involved in this case.

“I also want to ask those who are following this case to stop criticising government agencies,” he added.

Meanwhile, police officers said they had contacted Mongkol to acknowledge his charges at Muang Samut Prakan Police Station on Monday.

“He said he and his attorney would come to the station at 4pm, but later postponed the meeting,” he said.