The mother of Kritsana "Ball" Amitsoon, suspected of ordering the beating of a general's son at Malin Sky pub in Chiang Mai, has called for justice from the public, saying that her son felt threatened.
Speaking in a telephone interview with Ruang Lao Chao Nee television programme on Channel 3 on Wednesday morning, Sawika Na Takuathung said she believed her son had not ordered the pub's guards to beat up Issarajnuwat Wankawisan, son of Maj Gen Witthaya Wankawisan, commander of the 38th Army Circle in Nan province, as alleged.
Ms Sawika said her son, the boyfriend of TV actress Lukkana "Aum" Wattanawongsiri, was not that kind of person.
The mother said that after the incident, which occurred on Friday night, she had not met her son but they had talked on the phone. Mr Kritsana told her he felt his phone was tapped and his movements under surveillance, she said.
Ms Sawika said her son had become afraid of being abducted and had to confine himself to a condominium unit.
The woman said she noticed some cars had passed by her house in an unusual manner.
In the interview, Ms Sawika said she went to the hospital to visit Mr Issarajnuwat, but was not allowed in by his relatives.
On Tuesday, at about 1pm, Mr Kritsana reported to Chiang Mai police to give his statement. He was questioned for about 11 hours and then released.
Pol Col Sarayuth Sanguan-pokhai, the acting provincial police chief, said Mr Kritsana had been questioned as a witness. He admitted he was there in the pub but denied ordering the beating of Mr Issarajnuwat.
He said Mr Kritsana offered to surrender himself but his request was rejected.
The police were gathering evidence and witnesses and would soon request a court warrant to arrest the suspect, Pol Col Sarayuth said.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said on Wednesday if Mr Kritsana felt insecure, he could ask police for protection.
"But I'd like to ask him what he has done that causes him to feel the need for protection. Has he done something wrong? Who's threatening him?" the general said.
To reporters' speculation that Mr Kritsana might fear for his life because the other party was the son of a high-ranking soldier, Gen Prawit said: "While it's true the other party is related to soldiers, the fact remains that the other party is the one who was beaten up. I've already told police and the commander of the 38th Army Circle [Mr Issarajnuwat's father] to be fair to everyone ."