DSI plays down rumours Paris bomb suspect visited Phuket

PHUKET: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has played down rumours that a suspect wanted in last week’s Paris terrorists attacks was spotted in Phuket earlier this year, and have said that if he was seen then information should be passed to them.

Rumours have seen spread that Abdeslam Salah, a key suspect in the Paris terrorist attacks, was seen in Phuket earlier this year. Photo: AFP

DSI Deputy Spokesman and Director of the Special Cases Management Centre Worranan Srilum told The Phuket News yesterday (Nov 20), “We have not received any information about this.

“Usually, if someone like the suspect wanted for the Paris attacks has previously entered Thailand we would be informed via the Honorary Consul or our officers would receive information directly.

“If we receive credible information on such a suspect we will report it. However, if the information is not credible we will not follow it up,” he said.

“We have just held a meeting with representatives from the International Co-ordination Division including one French representative as we are fully aware of the Paris attack and are following the investigation closely.

“If someone does have credible information about this suspect being in Thailand, or Phuket, then please send the information to me via worranan@dsi.go.th,” he added.

In addition, Phuket Provincial Police Chief Pol Col Teerapol Thipjaroen told The Phuket News, “I don’t think suspect is currently in Phuket, and I have not received any reports about this from anyone,” he added.

The French Honorary Consul for Phuket declined to comment on the rumours.