Ex-Thai metropolitan police chief freed by Japanese authorities

BANGKOK, July 13 (TNA) - Thailand's former metropolitan police chief Police Lieutenant General Kamronwit Thoopkrachang has been released, after Japanese prosecutors decided not to indict him following his detention for possessing a handgun and ammunition at Japan's Narita International Airport since June 22. Royal Thai Police Spokesman Police Lieutenant General Prawut Thavornsiri told journalists that he was informed by the Thai Embassy in Tokyo that Police Lieutenant General Kamronwit was freed on Monday morning, at around 10am (Thailand's time), and was undergoing the immigration process before flying back home, expected soon. According to the spokesman, the Royal Thai Police is looking into any condition through which the former metropolitan police chief was released. The spokesman said after the former metropolitan police chief arrives home, a probe will be conducted by the Royal Thai Police on his arms possession. The ex-Thai metropolitan police chief travelled to Japan on June 18 via a Thai Airways International (THAI) flight and was arrested at Narita International Airport with the North American Arms.22 Magnums while he was about to fly back to Thailand on June 22. Meanwhile, National Police Chief Police General Somyot Pumpanmuang extended his congratulations to the ex-Thai metropolitan police chief's family on his freedom. The national police chief explained that carrying weapons aboard a plane can be done under an official permission from concerned agencies and must be in line with international aviation regulations. (TNA)