Bangkok Bombing Suspects Won’t be Tried for Terrorism

Thai police are not pursuing terrorism charges against two men accused of staging a deadly bomb attack in Bangkok two months ago, a police commander confirmed.

Despite the scale of the attack, which killed 20 people of six nationalities and is considered the worst attack of its kind to strike Bangkok in living memory, the suspects will only be tried on charges of premeditated murder and explosives-related charges, said Sriwarah Siripramnakul, chief of Bangkok metro police.

“We are not charging the suspects in this case with terrorism,” police Lt. Gen. Sriwarah said.

Mohammed Bilal and Yusufu Mieraili, who hold Turkish and Chinese passports, respectively, will stand trial in a military court for their alleged role in the bombing of Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine on Aug. 17. According to police, Bilal planted the bomb at the popular place of worship and Mieraili detonated the device after Bilal left the blast area.

Bilal was arrested in an apartment in Nong Chok district on Aug. 29, reportedly along with a large cache of bomb-making materials, while Mieraili was taken into custody near Thai-Cambodian border on Sept. 1.

The two men have been held without bail at 11th Infantry Regiment barracks, which has been converted into a special prison for the bombing suspects, since Sept. 15. Police have yet to send their cases to the prosecutor.

Full Story Here – Khaosod English

Stay updated with Samui Times by following us on Facebook.