Warrants For Lak Si Gunmen To Be Issued 'Tomorrow'

At least five suspects would be served with arrest warrants, said Pol.Gen. Adul Saengsingkaew, after the team of forensic police had "meticulously" investigated the trajectories and other evidence in the crime scene.

 

The clashes, which lasted for more than an hour and injured at least six people, saw supporters of pro-government Redshirts and anti-government protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) exchanging gunfire with each other.

 

The National Police Chief also stated that he had instructed Pol Maj Gen Suranit Phrombutr, and Pol Col Phong Sangkhamurint, chief of Thung Song Hong Police Station, to interrogate both the wounded victims and witnesses who were present at the scene for further details.

 

Pol Gen Adul also suggested that gunmen involved in the incident could be "professionally trained" shooters.

 

As revealed in still-images and videos taken by journalists, the gunmen’s shooting poses and the use of a bag as a cover for their automatic rifles indicated that the group possessed remarkable combat capability, said Pol Gen Adul, but he refused to confirm the gunmen’s involvement with the military.

 

The Royal Thai Police Chief added that they need to further investigate the incident, and plead that the police had tried to curb the carrying of firearms into the protesting grounds to prevent possible escalation in the already fragile political situation.

 

However, many protesters still carried firearms to demonstration, Pol.Gen. Adul said, adding that he believes some of these weapons might have been stolen during the turmoil at Din Daeng Police Station in December, when anti-government protesters clashed with riot police.

 

The weapons could also have been illegally brought into the country via underground border trade, according to Pol.Gen. Adul.

 

"Nevertheless, we have continuously maintained many strict checkpoints around protest areas," Pol.Gen. Adul said.