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Forensic tests underway to resolve Bt30m lottery dispute

Forensic tests underway to resolve Bt30m lottery dispute

Forensic tests are being conducted to identify the real winner of a Bt30-million contested lottery prize from the November 1 draw.

Police have also promised to ensure a transparent investigation amid concerns that officers might take sides with a teacher who claimed the winning tickets were his and received the backing of a local police chief. 
 “National Police Commissioner Pol General Chakthip Chaijinda has already made clear that the investigation must be fair and in line with the proper process,” deputy police spokesman Pol Colonel Krisana Pattanacharoen said on Tuesday.

Forensic tests underway to resolve Bt30m lottery dispute
He was speaking amid reports that the retired policeman, Pol Lieutenant Charoon Wimul, and his lawyers would call on the National Police Office for help. 
Charoon is fighting allegations that he had not legitimately owned the winning lottery tickets.
The allegations were raised by teacher Preecha Kraikruan, who has produced a female lottery vendor as a witness that he was the actual buyer of the winning tickets. Preecha has been a regular customer of the vendor.
Preecha said he had lost the tickets after purchasing them. 
Charoon and Preecha both live in Kanchanaburi, the province where the winning tickets were sold. 
Krisana said Tuesday that if Charoon was uncomfortable having local police handle the investigation, it was possible that the National Police Office might assign the Provincial Police Region 7 to take over the case. 
“But for now, forensic tests are already ongoing,” Krisana said. 
Charoon has filed complaints with police against Preecha and the lottery vendor, accusing them of reporting false information to claim the lottery winnings. 
Meanwhile, Buri Ram police on Tuesday announced that latent fingerprint tests had already given police crucial clues about the identity of the real winner of a Bt12-million lottery in August. 

Forensic tests underway to resolve Bt30m lottery dispute
Nang Rong Police Station superintendent Pol Colonel Sompop Sangkornthong said tests had not found the latent fingerprints of Phansak Suachoomseang on four winning lottery tickets, which he had claimed were stolen from him after his purchase. 
Phansak lodged a complaint with police about the theft on August 20 after learning of the lottery results in the August 16 draw. 

Forensic tests underway to resolve Bt30m lottery dispute
The four winning lottery tickets are linked to Bt12-million prizes. 
A couple who lives in Roi Et have already claimed the prizes. 
“Latent fingerprint tests show the fingerprints of the couple on the tickets,” Sompop said.
He added that the couple had in fact cashed in six tickets for Bt18-million prizes.

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