Thai soldier guards the attack scene at Phramongkutklao military hospital (Photo: EPA/VNA)Bangkok (VNA) – Thai police revealed that Watana Pumret, aged 62, a former engineer ofthe Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, is the suspect of the bombingat a military hospital in Bangkok in May.
Thai DefenceMinister Prawit Wongsuwan has affirmed the information, adding that the suspectwas arrested for investigation.
Sources from the Thaimilitary on June 16 said that Pumret has opposed the Thai army’s seizure ofpower. He admitted to set up bomb at Phramongkutklao hospital by himself, showinghis hostility toward the Thai government, the National Council for Peace andOrder and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha.
Thesuspect also claimed responsibility for the blasts at the National Theatre, theoffice of the government lottery and three other places in the capital city ofBangkok.
Earlier,Pumret was caught after Thai police screened the attacked hospital’s securitycamera. Spokesperson of the Thai defence ministry Kongcheep Tantravanich saidthat authorised agencies have conducted further probe to catch other suspectsand find their main motive.
Thepolice also discovered materials to make bombs and four ready for use explosivedevices during a search of his house.
Thesuspect is being interrogated at a military base under direct supervision ofthe first Army commander Apirat Kongsompong. He could face allegation ofillegally making explosives and even terrorism if evidence is found.
The bombing at the Phramongkutklaomilitary hospital in Ratchathewi province on May 22 injured at least 24 people.The incident came on the third anniversary of the Thai army'sseizure of power.
After the attack, authorities of Thailand have steppedup security measures and ordered nationwide security agencies to be on alert.-VNA
