Investigator who fled abroad ‘can give evidence via video if he wants’

However, if Pol Maj Gen Paween Pongsirin, who was in charge of human-trafficking suppression before fleeing to Australia, refuses to testify, it would not affect the trial, as police investigators had gathered evidence from many sites and were confident about their findings.

Testifying via video conference could be implemented as Thailand and Australia have mutual cooperation on criminal cases, he said. 

Paween, who quit the police last month, told Australian media last week that he feared for his life because influential figures in the military and police implicated in the illicit trade wanted him dead. 

“There are some bad police and bad military who do this kind of thing,” Paween told the ABC’s “7.30 Report”. “Unfortunately, those bad police and military are the ones that have power.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said instead of remaining in Australia and seeking asylum, Paween should return home and file complaints against those whom he accused of threatening his life and receiving a pay-off from traffickers.

Prayut has promised that he would have Paween’s allegations investigated and those found guilty would be arrested.

“I don’t understand why he [Paween] has to flee and seek political asylum in Australia. He should come home to file lawsuits against the alleged persons.”

Prayut told reporters that police are investigating Paween’s claims. 

“Tell me now, who threatened you. It is no matter how big they are, I will have them punished,” Prayut said.