Seven Thai policemen, a civilian admit guilty

BANGKOK, November 23 (TNA) - Seven policemen and a civilian in Thailand have admitted guilty lodged against them by national police chief Pol. Gen. Somyos Poompanmuang and approved by the Criminal Court, said assistant national police chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Pravut Thawornsiri on Sunday. He told journalists that all the seven charged policemen including Pol. Lt. Gen. Pongpat Chayaphan, commissioner of Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and his deputy Pol. Maj. Gen. Kowit Wongrungroj had admitted guilty during an investigation. The two senior police officers face serious charges including lese majeste under Section 112 of the Criminal Code and could receive a maximum death sentence. Another senior police officer, Pol. Maj. Gen. Boonsueb Praithuen, commander of Marine Police, is facing bribery and several other charges. He is also facing a maximum death sentence. A female civilian identified as Sudathip Muangnual is facing charges of forest destruction and encroachments, according to Pol. Lt. Gen. Pravut. Two other civilians -- a man and a woman – are still reportedly at large. Pol. Lt. Gen. Pravut said further that another senior police officer Pol. Col. Akrawut Limrat was earlier found joining the same gang as those two who had just surrendered and admitted guilt. According to earlier reports, Pol. Col. Akrawut committed suicide on Thursday after jumping from a high building and also after he had admitted guilt to investigators. He had tried to commit suicide three times earlier on fears of being arrested, said Pol. Lt. Gen. Pravut. (TNA)