High-powered weapons and explosives were recovered by Bangkok police inside the luggage compartment of a privately-owned bus parked at the Moh Chit Bus Terminal late Sunday evening.
According to Bang Sue police chief Pol Col Soonthorn Kongklum, operatives of the explosives ordnance disposal (EOD) unit recovered 9 different types of grenades, an AK-47 assault rifle, two magazines and 211 ammunition rounds. The explosives were hidden inside two pillows and stuffed into a black suitcase that was left inside the bus’ luggage compartment.
The Ratchasima Tour Co bus with Bangkok license plate 10-4810, was parked at outbound platform No 59 of the Moh Chit terminal for repairs. It originated from Nakhon Ratchasima but broke down near the National Memorial on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road on its way to Bangkok.
It was Ms Anong Deejantuek, the bus driver’s assistant, who discovered the abandoned suitcase inside the luggage compartment and called the authorities.
The Bangkok Post quoted Pol Col Soonthorn as saying that police had an inkling about a war weapons pick set to take place at the said bus terminal. The police official said that the suspect may have gotten wind of police presence and left the bus before it arrived at the appointed drop off point.
As of press time, police are working to establish the identity of the suspect. Ms Anong had told police investigators that the suspect sported a military haircut, had tanned skin, and was about 175 cm tall.
The bus hostess, Nattaporn Hasakornburi, 20, also gave a description of the suspect to investigators. She described him as someone in his 30s, wearing a pair of jeans, and with short curly hair. The suspect is said to be 170-175 cm tall. According to Nattaporn, the suspect talked briefly with another man before asking her to place the suitcase in the luggage compartment. He then boarded the bus and occupied seat 8D.
