Princess Ubolratana has given her moral support to the authorities investigating the alleged poaching by the Italian-Thai Development (ITD) president.
Doubts have begun to grow concerning the propriety of the investigation given the high-profile nature of the suspect.
A follower of the princess’s NichaX Instagram account asked what people should do in the wake of the incident in Kanchanaburi. She replied: “[We should] give moral support to all officials to prevent them from being bullied.”
“We have to raise awareness that no one has more privilege than anyone else. Don’t forget that this country belongs to all Thai people, not particular individuals.”
ITD president Premchai Karnasuta, 63, together with three workers from the giant construction firm, was arrested last Sunday in Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary after they were found in possession of the carcasses of wild animals, including that of a rare black leopard.
Deputy Kanchanaburi police chief, Phunsak Prasoet, who is leading the investigation team, vowed yesterday he will not be swayed by the position of Mr Premchai.
“I’m not worried at all, because the probe is based on the evidence,” he said.
Pol Col Phunsak expects Mr Premchai and the other three suspects will be summoned for further questioning this week.
The four, temporarily released on bail, are facing several charges including bribing state officials.
Police have also summoned Mr Noppadon for questioning but have been unable to locate him, said Pol Col Thatphum Charuprat, deputy chief of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division.
Meanwhile, the Immigration Bureau is tightening inspections at Thai-Myanmar border checkpoints for fear Mr Premchai may flee overland.
Kanchanaburi immigration chief Pol Col Prasat Khemaprasit said if immigration police found Mr Premchai attempting to cross the border they would hold him.
In related news, the Kanchanaburibased Lat Ya military task force has sent officers to help Wichien Chinnawong, chief of the Western Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, conduct more thorough checks of visitors to the facility.
