The Deputy Royal Thai Police Commissioner General is inspecting damage at the National Broadcasting Television (NBT) compound caused by People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters during a riot yesterday (August 26).

Pol. Gen. Chongrak Chutanon (จงรัก จุฑานนท์ )reports that officers have apprehended 85 suspects, and seized an additional 5 unregistered firearms. Police found that several protesters were armed with flag poles with sharpened ends, machetes, knives, slingshots with metal pellets, brass knuckles, golf clubs, and hatchets. Kratom leaves, which are class - 5 narcotics were also seized from protesters.

The Deputy Royal Thai Police Commissioner General conducted a meeting of investigative personnel to determine the owner of each weapons in order to file charges against them. Police were able to levy 5 additional charges on suspects, including civil disturbance, trespassing on government property, possession of firearms without permission, possession of radio sets without permission, possession of weapons in public, and possession of class - 5 narcotics.

Pol. Gen. Chongrak said that the court has authorized the detention of all 85 suspects for 12 days prior to their trials. Attorneys have been assigned to the suspects, who have all plead not guilty. If convicted, the defendants each face more than 5 years in prison. The deputy commissioner general affirms that the attack on the NBT compound was definitely not staged, as police officers possess sufficient witnesses and evidence to convict PAD suspects. Authorities will be expanding investigations to convict additional suspects believed to be involved in the incident.

The Deputy Royal Thai Police Commissioner General reports that damage to the NBT compound is substantial, with a lounge dedicated to HRH Princess Ubol Ratana (ทูลกระหม่อมหญิงอุบลรัตนราชกัญญา สิริวัฒนาพรรณวด) partly damaged along the entrance. NBT officials will submit a full list of damage sustained to the compount to police officers promptly.

Source : National News Bureau, Public Relations Department of Thailand