Crime
Royal Thai Police Apologize for Killing of the French Tourist Gunned Down by Off Duty Policeman
BANGKOK – Pol Col Kritsana Pattanacharoen, the deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Police has issued an apology for the death of the French tourist gunned down by a policeman in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area on Wednesday, blaming the incident on a personal conflict.
“On behalf of the police, I express condolences to the family of Malik Djamel and apologize. The incident was unexpected and a personal issue. I would like all policemen to leave personal issues behind and exercise more patience,” Pol Col Kritsana Pattanacharoen, said on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Pol Sen Sgt Maj Kantapong Huadsri, 49, shot Malik Djamel, 41, at a condominium building on Sukhumvit Soi 13, Bangkok, after losing a fist fight at a pub.
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He was sacked from the police force immediately pending prosecution. According to earlier reports, both were drunk and entered into a brawl.
According to the Bangkok Post, Pol Col Kritsana said police objected to the temporary release of the suspect as it was a serious crime.
“I would like commanders to closely supervise the personal behaviors of their subordinates. The incident of police being suspects and abusing authority must not be allowed to recur,” the deputy police spokesman said.
He admitted that the murder affected the image of police but he said police were seriously handling the case and would not protect the colleague who was the wrongdoer.
“Please have confidence in our safety assurances. I would like to tell tourists from all countries that Thailand is safe and Thai police and security officials are doing their best to serve them,” Pol Col Kritsana said.
