A Lampang man has surrendered to police and confessed to selling flares to members of the Ultras Thailand football supporters group who threw them during a match at Rajamangala National Stadium last week.
Worapon Suersakul, 38, reported to officers at Khalang Nakhon police station in Muang Lampang district on Sunday for questioning and to acknowledge a charge of importing and possessing war materials without permission from the Ministry of Defence, which carries a jail term of five years and a 50,000-baht fine.
He is one of 12 people wanted on arrest warrants in connection with lighting up and throwing the red flares during the AFF Suzuki Cup final between Thailand and Indonesia in Bangkok on Dec 17. Throwing flares in the stadium is not allowed by the sport’s governing body Fifa and Thailand could face a fine and/or a suspension. Possessing the devices without permission also violated the 1987 Armaments Control Act.
During the police interrogation, Mr Worapon said he ran a food shop in the municipality but sold football flares and coloured smoke products on Facebook with a page named “HBD Lampang Shop” to earn extra income. He admitted to importing the goods from Japan without permission.
Two days before the match, Mr Worapon sold a box with 20 flares worth 800 baht to a customer in Bangkok via a postal service. He knew later the buyer was a member of the Ultras Thailand.
Mr Worapon said he was present during the match at the Rajamangala National Stadium and saw some people light the flares he had mailed to Bangkok. However, he claimed only some of the flares thrown on that day belonged to him.
He admitted to selling the flares to Ultras Thailand but denied having any involvement with it.
“I’m not a member or co-leader of the Ultras Thailand. I only love watching football and the activities that the group has organised,” the food shop’s owner said.
After acknowledging the charge, Mr Worapon was released on bail with a surety of 100,000 baht. He was ordered to report to police every 15 days.