Seven additional suspects have been detained in connection with last week’s string of bombs that hit Bangkok, according to the prime minister.
Gen. Prayuth Chan-o-cha announced yesterday that officials are now interrogating nine suspects total as part of their investigation into coordinated arson and bombing attacks that injured at least two people.
“We’ve made a lot of progress today. We are currently interrogating our suspects,” Prayuth said.
“The investigation will continue to bring the attackers to justice according to our law. … We must be thorough. The government is doing its best.”
He did not indicate where the arrests occurred or where the suspects were being held.
Though most signs point to it being the work of southern separatists – Prayuth’s deputy said as much Tuesday – the former junta leader insisted that a motive had not yet been fully established. Prayuth, who is scheduled to travel to the south Thursday on a trip planned before the attacks, said he is looking forward to it. He said security measures will be increased in the southernmost provinces in the run-up to Eid al-Adha, which is Sunday.
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The first two suspects were arrested just hours after a suspicious device packed with circuitry and ball bearings was found outside Thai police headquarters. They have been identified as Lu-ai Sae-ngae and Wildon Maha, both from the border province of Narathiwat.
Media reports have identified two other suspects as 28-year-old Muhammad Ilhamsai and 22-year-old Muhammad Hassan, both also of Narathiwat. Calls to police spokesman Krissana Pattanacharoen went unanswered Wednesday morning.
All immigration units have been instructed to step up security and screening measures as well as to watch out those who come by land, sea and air, especially in the southern region.
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