Forensic police have collected fingerprints and DNA samples from the vehicle used by Premchai Karnasuta, hoping for further evidence to support charges of illegal hunting in Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary brought against the Italian-Thai Development (ITD) president.
Pol Maj Gen Thawatchai Mekprasertsuk, chief of the Central Police Forensic Science Division, confirmed on Wednesday that fingerprints and DNA lifted from the Toyota Land Cruiser found at the bush camp in the park were ready for laboratory testing and comparison.
It could take about 30 days, he added.
Invstigators are looking for evidence to back up police charges against the influential 63-year-old tycoon and his three companions arrested in the western part of the sanctuary in Thong Pha Phum district of Kanchanaburi province on the night of Feb 4.
Central to the charges is who pulled the triggers on the guns that killed the endangered Indochinese black leopard and protected Kalij pheasant and barking deer found butchered at the unauthorised campsite where the suspects were detained by park rangers.
They face nine charges relating to illegal hunting and firearms possession. All have denied the allegations. (continues below)
The four-wheel drive truck used by Premchai Karnasuta and his co-accused, parked at the police station in Thong Pha Phum district in Kanchanaburi province on Tuesday, before it was moved to Bangkok for further examination. (Photo by Piyarach Chongcharoen)
Forensic police on Wednesday handed the vehicle back to Thong Pha Phum police after collecting the samples.
Mr Premchai and the three co-accused also face a fresh charge of animal cruelty filed by the World Heritage forest management.
Pol Maj Gen Krissana Sapdej, the deputy commander of the Provincial Police Region 7, said on Wednesday all four will called in to meet police in Thong Pha Phum this week to hear the new charge.
Thungyai Naresuan park chief Wichien Chinnawong on Wednesday returned to Huai Pachee, the no-camping zone where the construction tycoon and his employees were found, to continue combing the area for more evidence and go through a re-enactment of the arrests.
Mr Premchai and his team were released on bail of 150,000 baht by Thong Pha Phum Provincial Court on Feb 6 after hearing the charges against them. They were ordered to report back to the court on March 26. There were no conditions set requiring them to stay in the country.
