The army grand commander has said an exiled extremist redshirt could be behind the recent blast at a hospital run by the army, adding the junta might bring back military trials for those who commit crimes against national security.
On 25 May 2017, Gen Charlermchai Sitthisat, the Royal Thai Army’s supreme commander, revealed authorities have compiled a list of suspects who could be behind the recent bombing of Phramongkutklao Hospital, a Bangkok hospital run by the Royal Thai Army.
One suspect is Wuthipong ‘Ko Tee’ Kachathamkun, the leader of a hardcore red-shirt group who is living in exile in Laos. The commander said the junta has already asked the Lao government to deport him but have received no response.
He emphasised that the accusation is merely an initial assumption, since the investigation is only at early stages.
“Right now, people being hunted by the police are mere suspects, including those who visited the hospital during the incident time. And Ko Tee is just one suspect,” stated Chalermchai. “I can’t answer anything because we suspect everyone and I can’t say things randomly until we have enough evidence to identify … A random guess will not benefit society.”
The commander also confirmed that authorities have increased security measures after the blast, especially in crowded areas, and asked the public not to be panic.
Chalermchai added the junta is discussing the possibility of placing cases of national security back under the responsibility of military courts. No official orders or policies have been implemented, however.
(left) Gen Charlermchai Sitthisat (right) Wuthipong ‘Ko Tee’ Kachathamkun (Photo from Matichon Online)