Thai Army Detains Five Men in Alleged Plot to Bomb Bangkok Airport

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BANGKOK – Junta Spokesman Col.Winthai Suvaree told the Thai press that more 5 men were arrested along the course of last week and are still under military custody Monday for their suspected involvement in an alleged plot to bomb Suvarnabhumi Airport and other targets.

The sweep operation was launched after it emerged on Oct. 10 that an unspecified militant group was preparing to stage car bomb attacks at major landmarks in Bangkok’s southeastern suburb, including one of the city’s international airports.

Up to 40 people have been arrested in sweeping raids that lasted several days, raising concerns about arbitrary arrests and secret detentions Khaosod Reports.

Col.Winthai Suvaree told Khaosod by telephone that they have not been charged and are under process of being questioned, some of them have given us useful information.

All five of the men come from the three southern border provinces where a network of separatist groups has been battling for independence for over a decade.

They are being detained at the headquarters of the 11th Army Circle in Bangkok and will be released within seven days if they are found to be innocent.

The other suspects arrested in earlier raids have been released from custody, Winthai added.

Under special authority granted by the junta, the military can detain individuals for interrogation at army bases up to seven days at a time without a warrant.

By Teeranai Charuvastra | Khaosod