Forensic police have made progress in inspecting a vehicle used by Italian-Thai Development company CEO Premchai Karnasutra’s car, but are waiting on confirmation of their findings. The CEO and three others wait to go to trial over an alleged illegal hunting trip, they face a battery of charges that include illegal hunting and animal cruelty.
The alleged incident, which happened on Feb. 4, has caused great outrage across Thailand, with people taking to social media with hashtags bemoaning the death of the panther and students staging protests in panther masks.
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Forensic Science Police Commander, Pol. Maj. Gen. Tawachai Mekprasertsuk indicated today that an inspection of the Land Cruiser used by Premchai and his party when they entered Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary has turned up fingerprints and gun powder residue, but added that unidentified sets of fingerprints were also found. All of the prints are to be tested against the weapons found at the scene to establish if any were the shooters’, reported Thai News Bureau.
Blood samples thought to be from poached animals found in the vehicle have been forwarded to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation for DNA analysis. Police found no signs of adaptation of the car for hunting purposes but will continue to analyze until their 30-day deadline is reached.
Officials disclosed today that a secondary survey of the scene, where Premchai and his party were found, turned up pieces of animal intestine and two bone fragments with evidence pointing to the animal having been used for food. The evidence is to be forwarded to police investigators who are to further inspect the area later.
If found guilty of the charges against them, Premchai and his party could face up to 19 years in prison with a maximum fine of THB150,000 (US$4,780) for the illegal hunting changes and an up to two-year prison term with a maximum fine of THB40,000 (US$1,275).
