Police probed for opening fire on suspected human-trafficking boat off Ranong

– Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community

PHUKET: Police yesterday confirmed they were investigating an incident last Wednesday in which a Ranong police boat opened fire on a fishing boat in the Andaman Sea.

National police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Prawut Thavornsiri suggested the shooting was likely a case of misunderstanding. Nobody was hurt in the incident, in which the Navy’s HTMS Sriracha came to the aid of the fishermen.

However, boat owner Phisit Phetsiri said he was not confident in the police investigation, as the case report was “weakly done”. He said the names of six accused police officers and the police-boat driver were not included in the report, although he had submitted all the evidence to police.

Gen Prawut said an initial probe found two factors were involved. The police failed to use a loudspeaker to identify themselves, and the fishing boat – suspected by police of human trafficking – acted as if it intended to escape. Police will check to see if the officers used excessive force or the fishing boat broke the law.

Phisit said he would pursue the case to the end though he now had to keep looking over his shoulder. He said he had criminal charges – including attempted murder – laid against the seven suspects.

— Phuket Gazette Editors