>> A mint operator has been arrested for allegedly producing unauthorised commemorative coins for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Kiattisak Setthapinit, proprietor of Chang Dao Thong company, a coin-producing mint in Nakhon Pathom, was apprehended on Friday after Crime Suppression Division (CSD) officers raided his factory and house in Muang district.
Phumin Pumpanmuang, chief of the CSD's Division 5, who led the operation, said Sam Khwai Phuak police in January received a complaint from a member of the public accusing Mr Kiattisak of unauthorised production of commemorative coins for the late king.
The coins, which also bore the royal emblem on their back, were made in commemoration of the last king's sixth-cycle birthday.
The case was forwarded to the CSD last month and eventually led to Mr Kiattisak's arrest.
According to Pol Col Phumin, officers impounded plastic bags containing 154 commemorative coins inside and six moulds for making coins from the two target locations.
BMW, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz sedans were seized as well.
During questioning, Mr Kiattisak claimed he was hired by the ministry to produce the coins, saying he would defend himself in court.
The man is now in the custody of Sam Khwai Phuak police.
Pol Col Phumin said the investigation must be widened to establish whether the number of the coins produced exceeded the ministry's order.
The raid was also launched in response to Central Investigation Bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Thitirat Nongharnpitak's measures to suppress racket activities, he added.
