Sanit says guilty will be brought to justice

The incident took some shine of Thailand’s 2-0 success over Indonesia on Saturday that helped them overturn first-leg deficit and secure a record-breaking fifth regional crown with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

The country came in the full glare of publicity as an ill-judged act by a supporter group dubbed “Ultra Thailand” put the country at risk of punishment from world football governing body, Fifa. The potential sanctions range from a fine to being banned from hosting a fixture at home. 

Sanit’s comment came after the authorities yesterday summoned a leader of the group for interrogation. 

“Today, we summoned Prapoj Panphothong or “Golf”, who is believed to be the leader of Ultra Thailand group, for questioning about the incident on Saturday evening. If he believes he’s innocent, he should meet the authorities.

“We also have a list of those involved in the incident but we will not disclose it now. I believe in the next few days there would be some good news.

“I also have something to say to people who may think about doing similar things. They should know that the consequences will be bad. First of all, it affects the image of the country.

“The Thai football team could also face punishment and it’s a criminal offence that is punishable.   

“The authorities are simply doing their job and it has nothing to do with the public interest. So, I would like to ask time for the authorities to do their job. I’m convinced we would find the culprits soon.”

Meanwhile, two military officials, whose photos appeared on Ultra Thailand group’s Facebook page and got involved in a heated exchange regarding the incident, were questioned at Hua Mark Police Station yesterday.

The interrogation lasted for an hour but the pair escaped the waiting media through the back door. The authorities said the two were cooperative but denied that they were among those who lit the flares.