Thawatchai's kin doubt DSI camera claims

Thawatchai's kin doubt DSI camera claims

Cops expect to wrap up probe in 30 days

Director-General of the DSI Pol Col Paisit Wongmuang examines the door of the lockup cell where the DSI says Thawatchai Anukul tried successfully to strangle himself using his socks. The cameras which normally monitor the facility failed on that day because of a computer glitch, according to the agency. (Photo by Tawatchai Kemgumnerd)
Director-General of the DSI Pol Col Paisit Wongmuang examines the door of the lockup cell where the DSI says Thawatchai Anukul tried successfully to strangle himself using his socks. The cameras which normally monitor the facility failed on that day because of a computer glitch, according to the agency. (Photo by Tawatchai Kemgumnerd)

Police investigating the mysterious death of land fraud suspect Thawatchai Anukul say they expect to complete their probe in 30 days, while the suspect's brother has disputed Department of Special Investigation (DSI) claims that security cameras outside the detention cell where the suspect was kept were out of order.

Lead investigator, Pol Col Komsak Sumangkaset, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau's (MPB) Division 2, said police expected to wrap up the investigation in 30 days.

He refused to go into details about what investigators had found so far.

He was speaking after he and a team of Central Police Forensic Science Division (CPFSD) officials examined the DSI detention cell in which Thawatchai allegedly tried to hang himself.

Also present at the DSI was Thawatchai's younger brother, Chainarong Anukul, 63, who later spoke to the media during which he expressed doubts on DSI claims that security cameras outside his brother's cell were not working.

Mr Chainarong said Wednesday that on Monday he had been initially invited to the DSI offices to examine camera footage only to be told by Pol Maj Jatupol Bongkochmas, chief of the DSI's Bureau of Special Operation, that the security cameras outside the cell were out of order.

He also said he was not allowed inside the detention cell.

"How on earth could they let the computer server break down without a backup system?" he said. He was referring to the excuse he says the DSI gave him as to why the security cameras outside the cell were not working.

Pol Col Komsak, said Wednesday he believed the security cameras at the DSI's detention facility were operating well but was uncertain how much evidence the cameras would reveal.

Mr Chainarong went to the DSI again on Wednesday expecting to gain access to the detention cell. However, he was denied permission to join the CPFSD officials in getting a first-hand look, an informed source said.

Pol Col Komsak said it was unnecessary for police to invite the dead man's family members to observe every aspect of the probe into Thawatchai's death.

Mr Chainarong had to watch the CPFSD officials from outside the detention room as they tried to re-enact Thawatchai's alleged suicide.

Afterwards, Mr Chainarong said he had many doubts over whether his brother had taken his own life.

The Institute of Forensic Medicine earlier reported in its initial autopsy result that Thawatchai died of abdominal haemorrhaging and a ruptured liver from being hit with a solid, blunt object together with asphyxiation from hanging, countering the DSI's claim that he committed suicide by hanging himself with a pair of socks.

Meanwhile, a Justice Ministry-appointed panel of experts is expected to meet today to examine details made available in the case so far.

These include the autopsy findings which state Thawatchai lost 500cc of blood from abdominal haemorrhaging, permanent secretary for justice Charnchao Chaiyanukij said.

Panel chief, Wisit Wisitsora-at, also director-general of the Juvenile Observation and Protection Department, said the panel has 15 days in which to wrap up its probe.

Thawatchai, 66, was a key suspect in several land fraud cases and was allegedly involved in unlawfully issuing land deeds to wealthy people in Phangnga.

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