Some 15 Military Officers, Civilians Detained For Questioning Over Bangkok Bombings

[slimdog]

Just for clarification:

Porntip says Bangkok bombs different from southern explosives

Khunying Porntip Rojanasunant, acting director of the Forensic Science Institute, said explosives used in Bangkok bombs were different from those used by Islamic insurgents in the deep South.

She said she would present details of findings by her institute before making the details public.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30023037

Also a little more detailed explanation

All eight Bangkok bombs likely made by same bombmakers

The explosive used in bombs at all eight sites on New Year's Eve was the same type and all were likely to have been made by the same skilled bombmakers, the commander of the police Office of Forensic Science, Pol Lt General Ek Angsananont, said Monday.

The objects used as shrapnel, such as nails and bicycle wheel bearings, were of the same size and attached to the explosives by the same technique, he said.

The type of the explosive will be positively known by the next week after confirmation by Australian explosives experts assisting the Office in identification process.

Fingerprints were found with explosives material found at two bomb sites at Gaysorn Plaza and the Pratu Nam Pier, but they have not matched any of those belonging to criminals in police records. Initial findings show that all eights bombs had no relation or similarities in terms of assembly techniques with those used in the deep South by Muslim insurgents, Ek said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30023589

One other item in the Nation from last year:

A paramilitary trooper based in Narathiwat was arrested Monday near the Bangkok Railway station after police found he was carrying 12 homemade bombs

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30006815

Edited January 23, 2007 by slimdog

[brazil]

Just for clarification:

Porntip says Bangkok bombs different from southern explosives

Khunying Porntip Rojanasunant, acting director of the Forensic Science Institute, said explosives used in Bangkok bombs were different from those used by Islamic insurgents in the deep South.

She said she would present details of findings by her institute before making the details public.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30023037

Also a little more detailed explanation

All eight Bangkok bombs likely made by same bombmakers

The explosive used in bombs at all eight sites on New Year's Eve was the same type and all were likely to have been made by the same skilled bombmakers, the commander of the police Office of Forensic Science, Pol Lt General Ek Angsananont, said Monday.

The objects used as shrapnel, such as nails and bicycle wheel bearings, were of the same size and attached to the explosives by the same technique, he said.

The type of the explosive will be positively known by the next week after confirmation by Australian explosives experts assisting the Office in identification process.

Fingerprints were found with explosives material found at two bomb sites at Gaysorn Plaza and the Pratu Nam Pier, but they have not matched any of those belonging to criminals in police records. Initial findings show that all eights bombs had no relation or similarities in terms of assembly techniques with those used in the deep South by Muslim insurgents, Ek said.

The Nation

One other item in the Nation which I can't seem to find the link for, reported:

A paramilitary trooper based in Narathiwat was arrested Monday near the Bangkok Railway station after police found he was carrying 12 homemade bombs

I can't remember the actual date of this but seem to recall it was sometime last year prior to the coup..

UMMM

another play to be acted out for the masses in the public theartre

Edited January 23, 2007 by brazil

[Tony Clifton]

Just for clarification:

Porntip says Bangkok bombs different from southern explosives

Khunying Porntip Rojanasunant, acting director of the Forensic Science Institute, said explosives used in Bangkok bombs were different from those used by Islamic insurgents in the deep South.

She should know, one blew up in front of her office last year after numerous arguments with police brass interfering with forensics.

Edited January 23, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[Jai Dee]

Gen. Saprang says political figures were behing BKK bombings

Gen. Saprang Kalayanamitr, the assistant army chief and Council for National Security (CNS) assistant secretary, believes certain political figures were behind the bomb blasts in Bangkok on New Year’s Eve as they wanted to discredit the government and the CNS.

Gen. Saprang said the offenders behind the concurrent bombings in the capital on New Year’s Eve wanted to stir up confusion among public members and gain political benefits. However, he would like the investigating officials to identify the responsible offenders and punish them.

He further said the people who caused the bombings must have the capability to create massive damage, and they are not ordinary people.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 January 2007

[thaigene2]

What a coincidence. Fifteen military officers arrested. Then a couple of days later, didn't Kowit the Police Chief get called on the carpet by Surayud/Sonthi for his 'poor performance' in the bombing investigation?

Then Surayud calls for a parallel investigation by the Justice Dept.

Then all 15 will be released. Then Surayud calls off the parallel investigation..is that how it all works?

Then more cracks are found in the runways, but the guys who used inappropriate construction material aren't investigated to see if they switched a cheaper product and pocketed the difference...then they close the airport and everyone goes back to Don Muang...Then they blame the foreigners..or the pilots for landing too hard.

This place makes my head spin......

[Jai Dee]

Polygraph lie detector test being used for BKK bombings case

An army officer took a polygraph lie detector test on the case where nine bombs concurrently exploded in Bangkok and neighbouring Nonthaburi province on New Year’s Eve. The test was taken at the Office of Police Forensic Science.

The army officer is a lieutenant colonel and he traveled to the Office of Police Forensic Science by a Mercedes Benz with the Supreme Command Head Quarters pass. He took about one hour at the office and later left the place without giving interviews with the mass media. He only said he underwent a polygraph lie detector test.

Last night (Jan 23), investigating officials brought in two army officers who were suspects of the bombings case to take the polygraph lie detector test at the Office of Police Forensic Science. Later, the results showed that their statements did not match the evidence. More suspects are expected to undergo the test.

Meanwhile, more police forces have been dispatched in the Office of Police Forensic Science, and press members are prohibited to get inside the office.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 January 2007

[wintermute]

Polygraph lie detector test being used for BKK bombings case

An army officer took a polygraph lie detector test on the case where nine bombs concurrently exploded in Bangkok and neighbouring Nonthaburi province on New Year's Eve. The test was taken at the Office of Police Forensic Science.

The army officer is a lieutenant colonel and he traveled to the Office of Police Forensic Science by a Mercedes Benz with the Supreme Command Head Quarters pass. He took about one hour at the office and later left the place without giving interviews with the mass media. He only said he underwent a polygraph lie detector test.

Last night (Jan 23), investigating officials brought in two army officers who were suspects of the bombings case to take the polygraph lie detector test at the Office of Police Forensic Science. Later, the results showed that their statements did not match the evidence. More suspects are expected to undergo the test.

Meanwhile, more police forces have been dispatched in the Office of Police Forensic Science, and press members are prohibited to get inside the office.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 January 2007

My bologna has a first name it's S-C-A-P-E-G-O-A-T

[londonthai]

double post

Edited January 24, 2007 by londonthai

[londonthai]

as expected from the very beginning - and acting on behalf of the Thai state apparatus:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007...s_30024947.php

Originally Posted by The Nation

CNS satisfied with police probe into bombings

The Council for National Security yesterday eased off on police after investigators confirmed they had produced concrete evidence incriminating "three to four" out of 19 suspects in the New Year's Eve bombings.

CNS assistant chairman General Anupong Phaojinda told a press conference that key CNS members were now satisfied with the police's progress in identifying suspects and compiling evidence against them.

From evidence and reliable intelligence provided by police, Anupong could "guarantee that the three to four suspects identified were not scapegoats" and that the extended probe continued to build a stronger case against them all.

Some of the 18 suspects, including 13 military officers, are also linked with the alleged car-bomb plot to assassinate then premier Thaksin Shinawatra last year, Anupong said, even though the bomb targets appeared to be different types.

"We base everything on evidence against them, not on a logic that these men who did that thing, cannot do this thing," he said.

Anupong, as assistant Army commander tasked with overseeing the military's parallel inquiry, said police had invested considerable manpower and effort on the case - 177 investigators divided into five teams, each with its own task. "The police operations are continuing carefully with good investigation techniques, evidence-gathering, and material evidence including bomb-related devices seized," he said.

A Crime Suppression police source said one of the 19 suspects in police custody - a non-commissioned military officer - confessed to being involved in the nine bomb attacks on December 31.

A total of 18 suspects had been apprehended and interviewed by police until yesterday morning, when an Air Force non-com officer was secured. In the evening, police released a civilian who runs a chartered van service in western Bangkok's Bang Bon district for lack of evidence. Four civilians remain in police custody. Before leaving for China on Monday, CNS chairman and Army commander Sonthi Boonyaratglin said he would hold National Police chief Kowit Watana accountable if police produced "scapegoats".

[Plus]

It looks pretty straightforward according to the Nation - CNS had doubts over arrests and wanted their own men to monitor police work. Police chief than sends a detailed report, CNS checks it out and appears satisfied.

It's a good news if this is really what happened.

Or, perhaps, Kowit still has an ace up his sleeve and so he managed to get the generals off his back. Not very likely as the rift was very public.

[hammered]

From the Bangkok Post:

BREAKING NEWS

General takes polygraph on bomb case

Story at: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=116267

[ColPyat]

From the Bangkok Post:

BREAKING NEWS

General takes polygraph on bomb case

Story at: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=116267

We always hear the government going on about a police reform, but whatever their corruption, so far there were only military officers involved in this and other bomb cases. Wouldn't it be prudent to start considering a military reform as well?

[cclub75]

It looks pretty straightforward according to the Nation - CNS had doubts over arrests and wanted their own men to monitor police work. Police chief than sends a detailed report, CNS checks it out and appears satisfied.

It's a good news if this is really what happened.

I wouldn't be so optimistic...

Another police source said a non-commissioned military officer hurt himself badly after becoming stressed by a long interrogation session on Tuesday night. He dove head first into the wall of the interrogation room in Lop Buri, where he was based.

Amazing, isn't it ?

Despite what looks like hard methods (or bad luck...), nobody has confessed (the police said the contrary).

And we know a litte bit more about the "evidences", found allegedly by the police : "detonators and dry-cell batteries seized at the homes of many suspects - the same types found at many of the nine bomb sites."

It makes sense : as a terrorist, it's convenient to keep the gear at home, right ?

The circus continues, full speed.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/01/25...al_30025040.php

[John K]

I do find it interesting that there is a contradiction of statements. The evidence at many homes when a earlier statement by someone said it was more than likely one person who made the bombs. Depending on what statement you feel is more truthful, the other would more or less be proven wrong. I tend to think the one person theory makes more sense.

It sounds more and more like there will be a high ranking job opening in the Royal Thai Police.

[Jai Dee]

CNS Chairman denies meeting Ex-PM in China

The Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS) said he has not met the ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in China. As for the bomb attacks on New Year’s Eve, he believed that the police can close the case.

After traveling back from China last night (January, 24), CNS Chairman Gen.Sonthi Boonyaratglin told the media that he had discussed military relations between Thailand and China with many Chinese leaders. He had also explained Thailand’s political situation to them to correct their misunderstanding of the situation.

Regarding rumors that the former-PM had met him during his official trip to China, the CNS chairman said that Mr Thaksin had not requested to meet him and the Chinese government had not planned to arrange a meeting between them either.

As for the present situation in Thailand, Gen.Sonthi said there is nothing to be concerned about. He was reported that the police have tried their utmost in the investigation into the bomb attacks. The CNS chairman affirmed that CNS does not set a timeframe for the investigation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Chatuchak Market to move Motorcycle Park to prevent bomb planted at premises

Chatuchak Market will be moving its motorcycle parking area, to prevent bombs planted in the premises.

The motorcycle parking area will be moved relocated from the front of the Chatuchak market to the rear of Children Museum. Currently the motorcycle parking area is located in the lot where visitors frequently walk through.

In addition, procurement for bomb detectors will be proposed to the executives of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) this Friday for consideration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 January 2007

[Mid]

As for the present situation in Thailand, Gen.Sonthi said there is nothing to be concerned about

[Jai Dee]

CNS chairman and PM to talk about BKK bombings case again

Council for National Security (CNS) chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin will have a discussion with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on the bombings in Bangkok and neighboring Nonthaburi province on New Year’s Eve. They will try to find a methodical investigation process that will enable the officials to arrest the criminals soon after police have released the suspects.

Gen. Sonthi said the officials have to release the suspects since arrest warrants could not be issued to them yet. However, he said a committee will be set up to inspect the disciplines of suspected army officials, to assure the transparency of the investigation and their innocence.

Gen. Sonthi insisted that the army has strict measures to take care of the troops. Nevertheless, he will have a meeting with Gen. Surayud again to discuss this case again. They will also discuss whether it would be necessary to form a committee to follow up the investigation.

Referring to the discovery of explosive devices in a suspected army official, Gen. Sonthi commented that it is normal to find explosives in military residences, adding that people may find explosives in his house.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 January 2007

[Old Man River]

CNS chairman and PM to talk about BKK bombings case again

Referring to the discovery of explosive devices in a suspected army official, Gen. Sonthi commented that it is normal to find explosives in military residences, adding that people may find explosives in his house.

I would expect to find firearms, but why would anyone keep explosives in their house?

[Mid]

CNS chairman and PM to talk about BKK bombings case again

Council for National Security (CNS) chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin will have a discussion with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on the bombings in Bangkok and neighboring Nonthaburi province on New Year’s Eve. They will try to find a methodical investigation process that will enable the officials to arrest the criminals soon after police have released the suspects.

Gen. Sonthi said the officials have to release the suspects since arrest warrants could not be issued to them yet. However, he said a committee will be set up to inspect the disciplines of suspected army officials, to assure the transparency of the investigation and their innocence.

Gen. Sonthi insisted that the army has strict measures to take care of the troops. Nevertheless, he will have a meeting with Gen. Surayud again to discuss this case again. They will also discuss whether it would be necessary to form a committee to follow up the investigation.

Referring to the discovery of explosive devices in a suspected army official, Gen. Sonthi commented that it is normal to find explosives in military residences, adding that people may find explosives in his house.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 January 2007

proof readers ? , translators ?

assure their innocence

[John K]

CNS chairman and PM to talk about BKK bombings case again

Council for National Security (CNS) chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin will have a discussion with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on the bombings in Bangkok and neighboring Nonthaburi province on New Year’s Eve. They will try to find a methodical investigation process that will enable the officials to arrest the criminals soon after police have released the suspects.

Gen. Sonthi said the officials have to release the suspects since arrest warrants could not be issued to them yet. However, he said a committee will be set up to inspect the disciplines of suspected army officials, to assure the transparency of the investigation and their innocence.

Gen. Sonthi insisted that the army has strict measures to take care of the troops. Nevertheless, he will have a meeting with Gen. Surayud again to discuss this case again. They will also discuss whether it would be necessary to form a committee to follow up the investigation.

Referring to the discovery of explosive devices in a suspected army official, Gen. Sonthi commented that it is normal to find explosives in military residences, adding that people may find explosives in his house.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 January 2007

proof readers ? , translators ?

assure their innocence

Perhaps a bit of an underlying message to the head cop about his job and to find the real people. I would imagine... perhaps the term “busted” may apply here.

Edited January 25, 2007 by John K

[sriracha john]

Welcome All To The Wonderful World Of TNNBPRD...

[ColPyat]

CNS chairman and PM to talk about BKK bombings case again

Referring to the discovery of explosive devices in a suspected army official, Gen. Sonthi commented that it is normal to find explosives in military residences, adding that people may find explosives in his house.

I would expect to find firearms, but why would anyone keep explosives in their house?

Dynamite fishing?

[John K]

NEW YEAR'S EVE BLASTS

'Not all the suspects are guilty'

CNS chief Sonthi reiterates warning to police about finding scapegoats

Army commander and Council for National Security (CNS) chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin yesterday said he did not believe that all of the suspects in police custody were actual masterminds or perpetrators of the New Year's Eve bomb attacks, even though evidence was found at their homes.

"I strongly believe that [they are innocent], because none of them has confessed to the crime. As for all those devices found in their homes, these people possess items in line with their profession. Go to my home and search around; you'll find some munitions," he said.

Sonthi, who returned from a trip to China on Wednesday, said his statement before leaving that national police chief General Kowit Watana would be held responsible if police arrested "scapegoats" remained unchanged.

Asked to comment on Kowit's earlier public statement that apart from the 18 suspects, including 14 military officers, no policemen were linked to the bombings, Sonthi said, "Only time will tell who is good and who is bad. We have just begun [the investigation process]."

Responding to police concerns about the CNS deadline for all the suspects to be released today unless criminal charges are filed against them, Sonthi said, "Then it is good. Because I will be able immediately to set up military panels to find out how these men had been behaving in terms of disciplinary action."

However, he declined to say what the CNS would do if police failed to achieve the goals expected of them by the military, saying, "Wait, no. I'm not going to fight with the police. I won't."

Sonthi said a parallel military inquiry into the attacks, which he ordered before leaving for China on Sunday, would continue and that he knew very little about another probe by the Justice Ministry's Department of Special Investigation that was ordered by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

An unknown number of the suspects took lie-detector tests yesterday. The results of the tests, along with those of previous ones on six of the suspects, were not immediately available.

Deputy police chief Lt-General Jongrak Juthanont said police interrogators were waiting for more evidence to be gathered by investigators. "No criminal charges can be filed against them until they obtain more concrete evidence," he added.

A senior police source said most suspects were expected to be released today - the end of the CNS' seven-day deadline- except for three or four in whose homes bomb-related material was found.

Source: The Nation

[hammered]

The Thai Police have had a credibility problem with both the media and the public for many a year. This is coming back to haunt them right now. Unfortunately for the police, a lot of this is down to their own actions. There are many who just will not believe them whatever they say. They also face the problem that just about any member of the Thai public you talk to has and has virtually always had a more favorable view of "soldiers" than they do of police, so if there is disagreement the police are again in a difficult position and again one laregly of their own making.

By the way this is not intended to be a pro or anti T or whatever comment but just an observation of years of watching these things and talking to people.

[Jai Dee]

Internal Security Operations Command may consider DSI to help investigation

The Ministry of Defence stated that the Internal Security Operations Command may consider other agencies to help investigate the nine bombings in Bangkok and neighbouring Nonthaburi province on New Year’s Eve if the police investigation from the police is not complete.

Defence Minister Boonrawd Somthas said the investigating police team will report the progress of the case to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and Council for National Security (CNS) chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who also acts as the director of the Internal Security Operations Command. Gen. Boonrawd said the Internal Security Operations Command may decide to assign the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to help inspect certain areas of the case if it is complete.

The Defence Minister said there is a high probability that about three to four suspects may become convicts, and the remaining suspects will be released within today (Jan 26). He also commented on whether the investigation will extend to other cases, saying it would depend on the evidence at hand.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 January 2007

[thaigene2]

What a coincidence. Fifteen military officers arrested. Then a couple of days later, didn't Kowit the Police Chief get called on the carpet by Surayud/Sonthi for his 'poor performance' in the bombing investigation?

Then Surayud calls for a parallel investigation by the Justice Dept.

Then all 15 will be released. Then Surayud calls off the parallel investigation..is that how it all works?

Then more cracks are found in the runways, but the guys who used inappropriate construction material aren't investigated to see if they switched a cheaper product and pocketed the difference...then they close the airport and everyone goes back to Don Muang...Then they blame the foreigners..or the pilots for landing too hard.

This place makes my head spin......

As predicted - and unbelievably - right down to some of my flippant remark about the airport.

[John K]

I did not hear about them saying it was the pilots landing too hard. Perhaps the landings on the taxiways cause the cracks there. I don’t know who is being investigated on the airport cracks, but as for everything else they need to follow the time table under martial law.

Seeing is how the police are still for the most part still in Thaksin’s pocket it sends a clear message to the police that continued dancing with the devil is not acceptable and it is time to move up or move out.

[blaze]

NEW YEAR'S EVE BLASTS

'Not all the suspects are guilty'

"I strongly believe that [they are innocent], because none of them has confessed to the crime.

Source: The Nation

Works for me. Case dismissed.