Police chase victims’ families to get at least B100,000 compensation as riot investigation continues

The Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police was dispatched to the island this morning to address last night’s protest and riot at Thalang Police Station.

See original riot story here.

At 11.30am this morning, Police General Chalermkiat Srivorakan met with Region 8 Police Commander, Pol Lt General Tesa Siriwato and Phuket Police Provincial Police Commander, Maj Gen Patchara Boonyasit for about an hour at the third floor meeting room of Thalang Police Station Police, before leading a walking inspection of the damages inside and outside the police station.

General Chalermkiat noted that there were a total of seven scorched police vehicles and 25 more vehicles in the vicinity that had been damaged, in addition to a number of damaged motorbikes.

Windows throughout the first through third floors of the station were broken, while curtains, helmets, walls, ceilings, chairs, desks, documents and office equipment were also damaged.

Gen Chalermkiet said that the exact value of damages is pending a full report and investigation into the underlying incident.

He confirmed that the four officers involved in the original incident–Police Lieutenant Suchart Leucha, Police Senior Sergeant Major Prasai Peungphon, Police Lance Corporal Kanthaphon Kongnuket and Pol Lance Corp Phanuwit Kaesung–have given statements and been transferred until the investigation is complete.

He added that police are also holding mediation sessions with family members of the two deceased, who would each receive no less than 100,000 baht.

“Anything beyond that [100,000 baht per victim] depends on the law,” Gen Chalermkiet said.

Meanwhile, Gen Chalermprakiet has ordered for Maj Gen Patchara Boonyasit to establish a temporary “complaints corner” for residents to formally lodge complaints and submit related evidence to be considered in the ongoing investigation.

The Prime Minister has endorsed this temporary solution, and we have to find a legal and fair solution for both sides, he said.

Phuket News