According to the Nation, the Criminal Court yesterday delayed a bail hearing during which it was scheduled to consider a request for bail revocation against two suspects accused of abducting and murdering a Saudi businessman.
The presiding judge requested that DSI chief Tarit Pengdith submit another copy of his evidence in order to back up his request to deny bail for the accused.
Tarit’s request in this case, and the judge’s denial, have far-reaching implications within the Thai law enforcement community. Both the defendants in the proceedings were ranking Thai police officers at the time of the alleged crimes.
The DSI has accused that Pol Lt-General Somkid Bunthanom and Pol Lt-Colonel Suradej Udomdee collaborated on the murder of a Saudi businessman, then later used their influence to cover up evidence of the crime.
Tarit mentioned that the Saudi government had expressed concerns about the Thai authorities’ handling of the case.
The Criminal Court judge told Tarit that he must submit his statement in writing to the court and submit to cross-examining by the defense before his request could be considered.
