A man suspected of being involved in violent attacks against anti-government protesters in 2013 and 2014 was arrested shortly after crossing the border back from Cambodia on Saturday, police say.
Krissada Chaikhae, 47, a resident of Kanchanaburi's Tha Muang district, was detained near an immigration checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province, almost five years after the Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest on Feb 20, 2014.
Krissada: Attacked protesters in 2014
He was wanted on charges including premeditated murder and firearms possession in connection with hand grenade attacks against the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protesters near the Victory Monument and on Banthadthong Road in early 2014.
Following the arrest, police inspector-general Suchart Thirasawat and Immigration Bureau chief Surachate Hakparn travelled to Sa Kaeo to interview him.
It was reported that Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon was briefed on the arrest.
Mr Krissada admitted to collaborating with others in throwing hand grenades at protesters which killed one and left 67 injured.
Based on the initial police investigation, he allegedly took four grenades from Apichart Puangpet, who had been arrested on firearms charges, and used three of them in the attacks.
According to Mr Krissada, he decided to sneak back to Thailand because he feared for his own safety after a bounty was allegedly placed on him.
Responding to the news, former street protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban extended moral support to the police for working to bring justice to the protesters.
He said he hoped the investigation would not be delayed and the case brought before the court in good time.
