Following the deaths, and the riots that followed, a committee made up of doctors, police, province officials and relatives of the victims was formed to investigate the cause of the deaths of the two men who died whilst being chased by police. (See story here)
“After re-investigating the incident and collaborating with doctors and the police we have ruled that the two victims were killed by accident,” Phuket vice governor Chokdee Armornwat told The Phuket News.
“The parents of the victims were informed by doctors about the cause of deaths and understanding the situation. They all agreed with the doctor’s decision and now believe that there was no foul play involved, which they believed there was before,” he added
An amount for compensation for the deaths has not yet been reached and that now lies in the hands of the Justice Department and a decision should be reached by tomorrow.
“We will make the compensation process as fast as we can. It’s not only the B100,000 per person as was previously believed. The media will be informed as soon as we reach a conclusion,” V/Gov Prajiad told The Phuket News.
The Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Police General Chalermkiat Srivorakan stated yesterday that police were also holding mediation sessions with family members of the two deceased, who would each receive no less than B100,000. (See story here)
Meanwhile, over 50 police officers and private cleaners went to clear up the aftermath of the riots this morning. However, a large amount of furniture and equipment from the station will have to be put in storage temporarily at the Pa Khlok sub-station until the clean-up is complete
“We will bring Thalang police station back to normal as quickly as we can. We are still able to receive some complaints or reports from people on the second floor of the station,” said Col Chanuchan Cholsuwat of chief of Thalang Police.
Col Chanuchan also stated that nearly 150 police officers from Region 8 are continuing to monitor the situation closely for security reason. However, he confirmed that the situation now appeared to be under control and that last night saw no further protests in the area.
Police are now investigating to find the protesters who destroyed government property and assaulted police officers when the riot took place.
“We will study CCTV and investigate thoroughly. We expect to find the culprits within 7 days,” Deputy Phuket police chief Pol Col Weerawat Jantarawijitr said.
In addition, Phujet Governor Chamreon Tipayapongthada was due to hold a press conference on how to handle and prevent future riot situations in Phuket at Provincial Hall at 2pm today.
See original riot story here.