Another suspect held over Criminal Court blast

Wichai, along with three others – identified as Nares Intharasopa, Sansern Sri-oonreun, Chanwit Jariyanukul – were implicated by Mahahin Khunthong, one of two suspects arrested immediately after the drama. 

The four men, three of who are still being sought, now face charges of attempted murder and violation of the Firearms and Ammunition Act and the Arms Control Act. They were accused of having gathered in February in Khon Kaen to set up a “people’s alliance for democracy”. The group allegedly aimed to follow websites with lese majeste content and pass on such information while also producing collagen drinks and soap to fund the movement.

The authorities had sought nine people in total. Five are already in custody – Mahahin, Wichai, Yuttana Yenpinyo, as well as two women named Nathapach On-ming and Thachapan Pokkhrong.

Meanwhile, national police chief Pol General Somyos Poompanmuang affirmed that undercover police would provide greater protection for high profile figures and important places.

He also said police had already identified some suspects allegedly involved in twin blasts outside Siam Paragon shopping mall last month, but declined to give further details.

Meanwhile, National Security Council (NSC) secretary-general Anusit Kunakorn said before yesterday’s Cabinet meeting that national security officers were checking if the blast at the court had political overtones. 

There was nothing so far to back the suspect’s claim that the order to bomb came from another country, he said. Given the suspect’s claim that his group was preparing to create chaos at 100 sites nationwide, Anusit affirmed that Thai authorities were beefing up security. 

Asked if the NSC had received a report that the movement may be linked to the Free Thai Movement led by Charupong Ruangsuwan, Anusit said he didn’t want to make any links yet, as officials had to investigate the case further.