Police have wrapped up their probe into the murder of 79-year-old Japanese teacher Yoshinori Shimato, urging public prosecutors indict the couple suspected of carrying out the killing.
Pol Lt Col Suran Sriboon, investigating officer at Bang Sao Thong station, said its report to the Office of the Attorney-General asks it to indict Pornchanok Chaiyapa and her husband, Somchai Kaewbangyang, both 47, on a number of charges.
Police allege the couple killed Shimato and dumped his dismembered body into a canal in Samut Prakan province in September this year.
The police want the couple indicted for premeditated murder, concealing and destroying a body to cover up a murder, unlawful detention, theft, electronic card fraud and destroying evidence.
Investigators have provided solid evidence and witness statements in the report, Pol Lt Col Suran said.
Pornsak Srinarong, Acting Director-General of the Criminal Litigation Office, said prosecutors would study the report before deciding on any indictment.
The investigators could be asked to supply more information if the case was not solid enough for the prosecution, he said.
Ms Pornchanok and Mr Somchai will be detained for another 12 days starting from today while the legal process for their indictment takes place.
The court yesterday rejected a bail request by the couple, due to the seriousness of the offences.
Ms Pornchanok and Mr Somchai were charged in October with murdering Shimato before chopping up his body and throwing the pieces into a canal in Samut Prakan.
Mr Somchai has admitted using a pillow to suffocate the man and dismembering his body after he found him at Ms Pornchanok's house.
Ms Pornchanok has denied all the charges.
Shimato was last seen on Sept 21.
His son, Tetsuo Shimato lodged a missing persons report with Huai Khwang police on Oct 14.
Police later found several suspicious withdrawals from the missing man's bank account, with more than 700,000 baht being taken out in 14 transactions, which led them to Mrs Pornchanok as the investigation unfolded.