Top cop downplays rumor of bombers hiding in Phuket

PHUKET: The island’s top-ranking policeman has downplayed rumors that the men wanted for detonating two pipe bombs outside the Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok last Sunday are hiding in Phuket.

“Please keep calm, do not panic and do not trust rumors. We have yet to see any evidence that the suspects are here,” Maj Gen Patchara Boonyasit told the press yesterday.

The call by local police for calm follows Royal Thai Police Commander Jakthip Chaijinda on Wednesday responding to rumors that the bombers were in Phuket.

“There are some rumors that the suspects are in hiding on Phuket, but we have not been able to confirm that,” he told the national press corps at the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok, when announcing the arrest warrants issued for the suspects (story here).

Gen Patchara yesterday added that he had called on his officers to work with community leaders, urging them to report any suspicious behavior in their neighborhoods.

“I believe this is the best way to prevent such crimes from happening in our province,” Gen Patchara said. “People can contact the police at any time. If anyone sees any suspicious activity, notify us immediately by calling 191.”

— Kritsada Mueanhawong