Lt Gen Manas resubmits appeal for release on bail

BANGKOK, June 7 (TNA) - Army adviser Lt. Gen. Manas Kongpan, accused of human trafficking, has resubmitted an appeal to the court for his temporary release on bail, said deputy national police chief Pol. Gen. Ek Angsananont. Pol. Gen. Ek said Lt. Gen. Manas has rights to appeal for his temporary release on bail, bu it is necessary for the police to oppose a temporary release of every accused persons, including Lt. Gen. Manas, because they could interfere with witnesses if they were released, he said. Lt. Gen. Manas surrendered at the police headquarters in Bangkok on June 3 and had been taken immediately to Hat Yai police station in the southern province of Songkhla. He has stood firm in maintaining his innocence. Asked whether police would make more arrests of military officers who have a higher rank than Lt. Gen. Manas, he said police are still conducting investigation, both from direct witnesses and from interrogations given by those under detention. So far, no additional arrest warrants have been issued. To date, police 84 suspects in the human trafficking case, with 53 of them in custody and 31 others still at large. Police are trying to conclude evidence in the case within June 19, before they have to seek a permission from the court in extending detention of the suspects. (TNA)