ID :
126732
Tue, 06/08/2010 - 15:56
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/126732
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Police detain suspected CentralWorld arsonist
BANGKOK, June 8 (TNA) - Police on Tuesday arrested a man alleged to have set afire and looted CentralWorld, Thailand's largest shopping complex near Ratchaprasong intersection on May 19.
Saichon Praebua, Red Shirt security guard, was nabbed by Chanasongkram police at Sanam Luang after the court on June 3 issued arrest warrants for four suspected CentralWorld arsonists.
The four, including Mr Saichon, were charged with arson as footage in the shopping mall's closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras captured him walking in the closed department store.
One image series, meanwhile, recorded when a suspect was taking items out of the mall, while another was dressed as if he were a security guard.
The criminal court on June 3 approved arrest warrants for the four suspected arsonists. Their names have yet been identified, but they appear to be aged 25-40.
Initially, Mr Saichon admitted he was the wanted person listed in the arrest warrants but denied involvement in the arson.
Ahead of the arson, the detainee claimed the chief of Red Shirt guard assigned him to survey in and around CentralWorld to prevent any supporters from entering the mall, and stealing or damaging assets.
He said that he stayed at Pathumwanaram temple after the blaze.
However, the police did not believe his confession.
Investigators are searching for more suspects and compile evidence to seek arrest warrants.
CentralWorld was allegedly set on fire by disgruntled Red Shirt protesters after the protest leaders surrendered to police on May 19 as troops approached Ratchaprasong intersection where they had encamped since April. (TNA)
Saichon Praebua, Red Shirt security guard, was nabbed by Chanasongkram police at Sanam Luang after the court on June 3 issued arrest warrants for four suspected CentralWorld arsonists.
The four, including Mr Saichon, were charged with arson as footage in the shopping mall's closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras captured him walking in the closed department store.
One image series, meanwhile, recorded when a suspect was taking items out of the mall, while another was dressed as if he were a security guard.
The criminal court on June 3 approved arrest warrants for the four suspected arsonists. Their names have yet been identified, but they appear to be aged 25-40.
Initially, Mr Saichon admitted he was the wanted person listed in the arrest warrants but denied involvement in the arson.
Ahead of the arson, the detainee claimed the chief of Red Shirt guard assigned him to survey in and around CentralWorld to prevent any supporters from entering the mall, and stealing or damaging assets.
He said that he stayed at Pathumwanaram temple after the blaze.
However, the police did not believe his confession.
Investigators are searching for more suspects and compile evidence to seek arrest warrants.
CentralWorld was allegedly set on fire by disgruntled Red Shirt protesters after the protest leaders surrendered to police on May 19 as troops approached Ratchaprasong intersection where they had encamped since April. (TNA)
