Man, 55, held for planting six bombs in Bangkok

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Man, 55, held for planting six bombs in Bangkok

Police arrested a 55yearold man at 3am yesterday for allegedly planting six homemade bombs at three spots in Bangkok.

The suspect, Jeerawat Janpeng, was paraded in front of reporters at the Metropolitan Police Bureau but he did not answer any question. When pressed by reporters, Jeerawat just smiled and lowered his eyes. "I will speak only in court," he said.

Sitting next to the suspect at the press conference were Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and Metropolitan Police Commissioner General Priewpan Damapong.

Chalerm provided the information on the case and answered most of the questions at the press conference.

Chalerm said the suspect, a goat raiser, came from Sakon Nakhon and was staying in Bangkok's Lak Si district.

The deputy PM alleged that Jeerawat placed six homemade bombs at three spots. One bomb was placed at the Bangkok Bank building, Sukhumvit 77 branch. The bomb was supposed to be detonated with a remote control. Two other bombs were stuffed in a PVC pipe and left at the mouth of Soi Kanchanapisek 89. They were found with a timer.

Chalerm said three other bombs were inside PVC pipes and placed under Nong Preu Bridge, Lat Krabang. They too were found with a timer.

The deputy prime minister did not say how the man had obtained the homemade bombs.

Police safely disposed of all these bombs. There was no casualty.

Jeerawat has been charged with unauthorised use/possession of explosives. If convicted, he faces a jail term of two years up. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.

When reporters directed many questions at the suspect, Chalerm cut short the press conference. Chalerm said he had ended the press conference because Priewpan was very sleepy.

Chalerm concluded the event by saying that Bangkok residents could now celebrate the New Year without worrying about bomb attacks.

The press conference lasted for just 20 minutes.

According to Chalerm, it was Priewpan who informed him of the arrest.

"I've told you that he works well. But many of you claimed that I supported his promotion to the helm of the police force because he's a relative of Khunying [Pojaman na Pombejra]," Chalerm said.

The deputy prime minister said he and the government were lucky to have Priewpan working for them.

Priewpan said the circuit of the bomb found at Bangkok Bank's Sukhumvit 77 branch was similar to that of the bomb found in front of Government Lottery Office earlier this month.

Asked how the suspect was arrested so easily this time, Chalerm said, "Police found him when he was on his way to plant the bomb."

Chalerm said police believed he had accomplices but had to gather evidence first.

Responding to the arrest, Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva urged the government to investigate the case further and provide clarity.

"I wonder who will want to stir up the situation at this time," he said.

ฺัฺBy : The Nation