PP calls on govt to seek fugitive’s extradition

The leader of the People’s Party has advised the government to use the 44th Asean Summit in Vientiane as a channel to secure the return of a fugitive in the longstanding Tak Bai massacre case who is believed to have since fled to Japan.
The summit, which will see Japan attend the Asean Dialogue Partners meetings, could serve as a conduit for the prompt return of the fugitive, said opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut.
On Wednesday, the Provincial Police Region (PPR) 9 told the House Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice, and Human Rights that at least two of seven suspects indicted in the Criminal Court in connection with the Tak Bai massacre two decades ago that resulted in scores of deaths have left the country, although their identities were not disclosed.
The two suspects, one of whom is believed to have gone to Japan, left before the arrest warrants reached the Immigration Bureau, the PPR9 said.
The authorities were racing against time to bring the suspects to trial, as the statute of limitations on the case was about to expire.
The massacre took place in Narathiwat’s Tak Bai district on Oct 25, 2004, and the 20-year statute will run out in 15 days on Oct 25. Over 80 Thai citizens are believed to have died in the wake of a rally dispersal by the police.
If any suspect cannot be brought to face trial by the date of the statute’s expiry, they will no longer be criminally liable.
Yesterday, Mr Natthaphong said the authorities’ efforts to return the fugitives may miss the deadline. He claimed to have learned the police plan to ask Interpol to issue a Red Notice but said the request was still being translated into English.
He suggested Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra contact the Japanese delegation at the Asean Summit and seek the deportation of the fugitive — whose name was withheld — by disclosing that he is a major suspect in a human rights case.
The Tak Bai massacre, he reasoned, is a high-profile case that has attracted the world’s attention.
Some of the suspects, including ruling Pheu Thai Party list MP Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri, have not reported to the court to acknowledge the indictment.
Gen Pisal was reportedly granted leave to receive medical treatment overseas. His leave of absence exceeds the statute’s expiry.
“The prime minister should do everything in her power to hold talks with Japan on the side of the Asean Summit [on the capture of the fugitive],” Mr Natthaphong said.
“If we’re unable to apply diplomacy to bring back the fugitive, the psychological wound inflicted on local residents by the Tak Bai massacre will never heal,” the opposition leader said, adding he was confident Japan would be willing to assist.
Without such diplomatic contact, there is a slim chance of beating the Oct 25 deadline, he reasoned.
Gen Pisal served as commander of the Fourth Army Region that was involved in the Tak Bai massacre, which occurred when security forces dispersed a simmering protest in front of the police station in Tak Bai district. The protesters were calling for the release of six detainees.