The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) says an American national who allegedly sold a story to CNN about used medical gloves exported from Thailand is also a suspect in a case involving the reported abduction of a Taiwanese businessman.
The national police chief, Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk, instructed the CIB to investigate and find more evidence about the crimes in both cases that have affected the country's international relations and trade.
After an investigation, CIB commissioner Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej said yesterday the kidnapped Taiwanese businessman owns a glove firm featured in the CNN report.
The alleged abduction of the Taiwanese businessman occurred on March 28, the police said.
The unnamed American was earlier arrested for his suspected involvement in the abduction case at the airport while he was trying to escape Thailand in June.
Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop said the police have been handling the investigations as two separate cases.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit instructed the Royal Thai Police during a government-appointed panel meeting yesterday to expedite investigations into the CNN report and have it finished within a month.
The meeting also instructed the Industrial, Interior and Commerce ministries as well as related agencies to assist Thailand's legitimate rubber glove market with its exports.