Police arrested navy officers found in possession of weapons and VIP cards issued by Students and People Network for Thailand’s Reform (SPNTR), but their superior denied their involvement in the protest, saying that they are on a mission to investigate drug cases.
Three officers were stopped at a checkpoint on Krung Kasem road while driving a pickup truck shortly after Wednesday midnight. They are Lt Pairat Plaingam, 47, PO 1 Pairin Phothi, 26, and PO 1 Banlang Khantapol, 35.
Police found three 9mm guns, 72 bullets, five magazines, two clasp knives, one bullet-proof vest and three VIP cards issued by SPNTR. A license plate with a navy seal was found inside the pickup, with a different licence plate displayed on the vehicle.
The officers were taken to Nang Loeng police station for questioning. The police later charged them with carrying arms into a public area without a permit and sufficient reason, and using a vehicle with an incorrect licence plate.
Later, Rear Admiral Winai Klomin, commander of the Naval Special Warfare Command, went to Nang Loeng police station to show police a document confirming that the three men were on assignment.
He said they were investigating drug cases and all weapons were for self defense.
Rr Adm Winai also said that the VIP cards were issued by SPNTR to facilitate their investigations and make travelling easier.
He said police will now take over the case.