Surveillance camera footage showing the controversial shooting of a Lahu activist earlier this month will be released to the public if the appropriate court gives its consent, Third Army Region chief Vijak Siribunsop said Monday.
He said the footage has been handed over to the police as evidence and the army is not trying to withhold information.
Lt Gen Vijak was responding to calls for the army to release the footage to back up its allegations regarding the killing of Chaiyapoom Pasae, who was shot dead on March 17 at a checkpoint in Chiang Mai's Chiang Dao district.
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Authorities claim they found the young activist was transporting methamphetamines at a security check. He subsequently tried to flee and then attacked troops with a hand grenade, prompting one soldier to fire a single shot in self-defence, the army has said.
But Chaiyapoom's death has raised questions about how the situation was handled. Lt Gen Vijak said the soldier strictly followed the rules of engagement and had no other motive in firing at the young man, whose true age has also become a bone of contention. "The soldier's response was proportional to the threat," said the Third Army chief, who took flak last week for saying he would have fired a burst of bullets if put in the same position.
The commander also asked why Chaiyapoom resisted being questioned and attacked the troops. Soldiers found 2,800 methamphetamine pills hidden in a car bearing a Chiang Mai licence plate that Chaiyapoom and his friend Pongnai Saengtala, 19, had been travelling in.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said Monday an independent probe is now under way into the activist's death. He said it is being conducted by four parties-- the police, doctors, local administrators, and prosecutors -- and the army will not interfere.
Meanwhile, activist Srisuwan Janya has lodged a petition with the Office of Ombudsman asking it to investigate Lt Gen Vijak over his comments, which he claims could influence the case. "The prime minister has ordered a probe into the case, which means there is no proof [so far that] the extrajudicial killing was justified," said Mr Srisuwan.