The leader of the ordination ceremony hooligans who violently invaded Mathayomwatsing School on Sunday, disrupting a university entrance examination, has apologised and explained they were drunk.
Police said the intruders will face multiple charges, regardless.
The apology came from Wanlop Nuchfaeng, 32, when police and soldiers escorted him to his house on Soi Kamnan Man 13 for a search on Tuesday.
"I'd like to apologise to everyone. I admit to all wrongdoing in this case. It happened while we were drunk. In fact, I just wanted to enter the school to talk with the director," said Mr Wanlop, also known as Ek Fai.
He on Sunday led a large group of men into Mathayomwatsing School on Ekachai Road in Bang Khunthian district, where they allegedly assaulted the director, teachers and staff, and students who were sitting a university entrance examination. They hurt 12 people and some students and a teacher were allegedly sexually harassed. They also damaged school property.
Mr Wanlop was the leader of a drum troupe that was playing at an ordination at nearby Wat Sing. The sound blasting from their loudspeakers disturbed students sitting the exam. Mr Wanlop and his group were infuriated when asked to tone down the noise.
About 30 police and soldiers accompanied Mr Wanlop and 15 other suspects to search their residences on Tuesday. Police found nothing illegal there.
The 16 are among 24 suspects arrested and detained in the case so far. Four of them are minors. Some of the suspects have earlier prosecutions for drug abuse.
Pol Lt Col Narongrit Tongpae, deputy chief of Bang Khunthian station, said arrest warrants would be sought for three more suspects.
Pol Col Luesak Damnoensawat, chief of the station, said the suspects would face six charges: violent trespass, damaging property, physical assault, coercion, violent assembly and drinking alcohol at a temple. These offences carry jail terms of up to five years and/or fines.
The suspects also accused of sexual harassment would be charged with molestation and coercion, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Mr Wanlop was one of them.
