Funerals first, then police will hunt down Phuket riot suspects
Saroj Kueprasertkij


Region 8 Police Commander Lt Gen Tesa Siriwato. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

PHUKET: -- Police will wait for the funerals to be held of the two young men whose deaths sparked the Thalang Police Station riot earlier this month before they unleash their manhunt for 47 suspects wanted for their roles in the historic unrest.

“We will wait for the funerals of the two young boys [sic] to be held, then we will hunt them down,” Region 8 Police Commander Lt Gen Tesa Siriwato told The Phuket News today (Oct 21).

The riot erupted on October 10 after Prathomwat Panarak, 22, and a 17-year-old whose name has been withheld died after a collision with a police car during a high-speed pursuit.

Officers claim they found 50 methamphetamine (ya bah) pills and one kilogramme of kratom, though it was revealed yesterday that blood tests on the remains of the two men found no traces of drugs in their systems. (See story here.)

The Phuket Provincial Court issued 14 more arrest warrants for riot suspects yesterday (Oct 20), bringing the total number of suspects wanted by police to 47.

Gen Tesa said that he believes that some of them may have fled the area, but remains confident with police will arrest – and prosecute – them.

“Most of them are locals. We have clear pictures and some videos of the suspects. No matter where they are, we will find them,” Gen Tesa said.

Full story: http://www.thephuketnews.com/funerals-first-then-police-will-hunt-down-phuket-riot-suspects-54634.php


-- Phuket News 2015-10-22

Yeah, bury the kids then go after the parents and friends for criminal and civil penalties.

The police should quit while they are behind...

If they now arrest 40+ people, it will just fuel even more resentment !

".......... unleash their manhunt for 47 suspects wanted for their roles in the historic unrest."

A new phrase and excuse for having done absolutely FA. No wonder Thailand continues to be a violent and unlawful society that degenerates further with each year.

Nice of them to give fair warning and time to get away to the 47 suspects. Guess it is some sort police tradition here. I wonder if police can walk and chew gum at the same time....

Yes sir, give the suspects a good head start...wouldn't want to arrest them too soon.

How about an investigation into the police tactics first, instead of the whitewash conclusion that was quickly issued absolving the police of any responsibility?

stop making excuses and do your fricken jobs already. You are all a waste of uniforms and a national embarrassment.

The BIB couldn't catch a cold in rainy season. Fire them all and start over.

mr. Saroi, Trace or locate would be more civilized words to use.

I'm moving my left foot.