Man allegedly linked to Red Shirt leader arrested with bombs

NONTHABURI, Feb 13 (TNA) - A man, allegedly linked to a hardcore red-shirt activist, Wuthipong 'Kotee' Kochathamakun was arrested at a condominium in Muang Thong Thani with explosive devices found in the room. Deputy national police chief Srivara Rangsibrahmanakul led an EOD team and soldiers to raid the rented room after being informed of the discovery of explosive devices. Officials found a M-26 hand grenade, two pipe bombs, four homemade ping pong bombs and a Red t-shirt, bearing the message ”People Power from Lam Luk Ka”. The man, identified as Kritchapon Poolsilp, 53 has been detained and he confesses that he is a member of the hardcore red shirt network of Ko Tee. However, he denies assembling the bombs. He says he only collected them and keep these explosive devices in the room. According to the police, the bombs are similar to the type that was used in the attack near Siam Paragon in 2014. The police have gathered evidence and DNA samples from three toothbrushes found in the room as more persons could be involved. Pol Gen Srivara said Kritchapon is one of 27 persons who have been monitored by security officials since 2014 as a member of the hardcore Red Shirt group but he has no criminal record. He is ex-soldier and rented the room for five years. He failed to pay bills for electricity and water and did not pay for the rent. The room owner then had a maid clean the room for a new renter and the bombs were found. The suspect is being questioned by soldiers for 7 days before he will be handed over to the police for prosecution. (TNA)