Narathiwat Car Bomb Suspect Surrenders

Narathiwat car bomb suspect surrenders

BANGKOK: -- (TNA) – A car bomb suspect allegedly involved in a series of bombings in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat on Tuesday turned himself in to police investigators.

Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general Tharit Pengdit told a news conference that a suspect identified as Amri Jeso was escorted by Narathiwat member of parliament Nujmuddin Uma. He was believed to be involved with several incidents including a car bombing at the Sungai Kolok Police Station in August 2008, at the Merlin Hotel in October 2009 and at the Marina Hotel in February 2005, as well as the 2004 fatal attack on a military camp in Narathiwat's Cho Airong district which a group of insurgents made off with numerous firearms.

The suspect was charged with carrying out of supporting insurgent acts, premeditated murder, illegally possession of arms, ammunition and explosive devices, and causing others to damage, injury or death.

Mr Tharit said the suspect agreed to turn himself in after a few days of negotiation with authorities.

The DSI director-general said the suspect testified that he no longer wanted to escape and if his life safety was guaranteed and he was treated in a fair and just manner, more suspects might follow suit.

Meanwhile, DSI deputy director-general Pol. Col Narat Sawettanant, said the suspect denied all the charges. He may be temporarily freed without bail as he voluntarily surrendedred to investigators. Mr Amri may be treated as a witness in the case if he gives information that might be useful for the investigation.

DSI authorities neither brought him to the press nor allowed his picture to be published due to the suspect’s safety concerns, one of his main reasons for giving himself up, Col Narat explained. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-02-09

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