A former tambon administration organisation chairman on Thursday denied being the mastermind of the Feb 14 lethal attack by gunmen on a van carrying TAO members in Nakhon Nayok.
Prasopchok Nimruang, former chairman of Bang Somboon tambon administration organisation (TAO), said he did not mastermind the attack. Mr Prasopchok was speaking at the Thai Local Power Party head office.
He said he was speaking at the party’s head office as he had no intention to use the charisma of Chatchawal Kong-udom, the party leader, to shield himself. He said he attended party meetings regularly and was on the party executive.
The deputy chairman of Bang Somboon TAO Somchai Muang-kard, 63, and the driver, Watchara Nutdaeng, 52, were killed in the attack. TAO chairman Yannakorn Thorprayoon, 44, was shot and seriously wounded.
Mr Prasopchok said he was worried about the safety of his family. Cars and certain men were often seen near his house.
After the Feb 14 attack he was named as a suspect, he said. If police came to arrest him, he would not flee and was willing to surrender.
Mr Prasopchok said there were no mafia-like figures in Bang Somboon area.
He admitted he knew Phuriwat Nimruang, another suspect who was arrested. He was a relative.
As he formerly served as TAO chairman, he knew other members and staff, including Ratthaphon Tansuwannarat, also wanted under an arrest warrant for the Feb 14 attack.
He personally believed Mr Phuriwat was not involved and would offer surety for bail for his relative's release.