Japanese prosecutors release Suphat, drop charges

Japanese prosecutors release Suphat, drop charges

Thosapone Dansuputra (seated left), director-general of the Department of Intellectual Property, talks to reporters at the Commerce Ministry on Wednesday after reports his deputy stole three paintings from a Kyoto hotel. (Photo byPattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Thosapone Dansuputra (seated left), director-general of the Department of Intellectual Property, talks to reporters at the Commerce Ministry on Wednesday after reports his deputy stole three paintings from a Kyoto hotel. (Photo byPattarapong Chatpattarasill)

The senior Thai official detained in Kyoto for a possible theft charge has been released Friday evening, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Suphat Saguandeekul was released on Friday.

Spokesman Sek Wannamethee said Japanese prosecutors had released Suphat Saguandeekul, deputy director-general of the Department of Intellectual Property, at 5.50pm Japanese time (3.50pm Bangkok time) on Friday.

"The order came after the prosecutors and police considered the theft a misdemeanour which was not premeditated and did not cause damage to others.

"Damages have been paid to the hotel and the Thai Osaka consular office is arranging for Mr Supat to meet his family who's there. It's also preparing for his return," he said.

Mr Suphat was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly stealing three paintings worth about ¥15,000 (4,635 baht) from a hotel in Kyoto.

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