2010 PROTESTS

A forensic expert has confirmed the bullet that killed an Italian photojournalist came from the direction of the Sala Daeng intersection.

Pol Lt Col Watcharat Chalermsooksant, 47, an expert from Justice Ministry's Central Institute of Forensic Science, yesterday gave evidence to the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court, which is looking into journalist Fabio Polenghi's death.

Pol Lt Col Watcharat said he joined other police on Jan 25, 2011 in checking the scene where Polenghi was shot on Ratchadamri Road during the street violence on May 19, 2010.

Evidence including video footage, still photos and autopsy reports by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), found there was a possibility the bullet came from the Sala Daeng area, he said.

Polenghi was shot from behind. The bullet passed through his body and came out the front. However, he could not tell exactly where the photojournalist was standing. He could also not tell the position of the shooter.

He added he found residue of bullet fire on power poles and traffic signs running from Chulalongkorn Hospital's Aids Centre to the Royal Bangkok Sports Club gate, 10 metres away.

The bullets were fired from the Sala Daeng area in the direction of Ratchaprasong, Pol Lt Col Watcharat said.

Pol Lt Gen Amporn Charuchinda, 66, a retired police forensic scientist, said the DSI asked him to look at the case.

Pol Lt Gen Amporn said he could not tell the type of bullet or weapon that killed the Italian national, or the bullet direction.

Pol Lt Gen Amporn said the bullet size looked like a .223, but he could not tell the type of weapon used as the bullet could be compatible with several rifles.

The court set March 1 for the next hearing.