A woman suspected of being one of two smugglers that fled Suvarnabhumi Airport on March 10 after being caught with bags bulging with 21 African rhino horns worth THB170 million surrendered yesterday.
The woman who surrendered is Thitirat Ara-e, 56. The other suspect, Kansinee Anutranusat, 41 is still wanted and there is a warrant for her arrest. Both women will be charged with smuggling, breaking tax laws and violation of the Customs Act and Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.
Thitirat told police that she and Kansinee run an export business together. She claimed that the bags were Kansinee’s and that she was just helping her partner with the luggage without knowing what was inside, reported Bangkok Post.
Her case also gained media attention since she and her accomplice appeared to be escorted through the airport by three corrupt officials, who might have tried to help them through customs without their bags of contraband being searched. However, the bags were searched and the women fled.
One of the officials was a deputy state prosecutor for Saraburi province, Pol. Maj. Worapas Boonsri. The others were two police officers that have been identified via CCTV footage. All three have been placed on inactive duty pending investigation, reported Thai PBS.
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