29-12-2023 (BANGKOK) Prosecutors have returned the police investigation summary of the Siam Paragon shooting involving a 14-year-old suspect in downtown Bangkok, citing a lack of a sufficiently clear mental health assessment of the teenager nearly three months after the incident. The shooting on October 3 at the popular shopping complex claimed the lives of a Thai national, a Chinese citizen, and a person from Myanmar, while injuring several others, including a Chinese tourist and a Lao worker.
The summary, returned to the police, contains details of the investigation, including examinations of evidence. Prosecutors noted that the police concluded their report prematurely before receiving the mental health assessment of the 14-year-old suspect. Charges outlined in the summary include premeditated murder, possession of a firearm, and bringing and using a firearm and ammunition in a public place without permission.
Naken Thongpraiwan, deputy spokesman of the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), revealed that the Pathumwan police submitted the summary on December 20. It was found that despite taking the suspect to the Galya Rajanagarindra Institute for psychiatric rehabilitation two days later, the police pressed charges on November 3 before the institute released its assessment. Furthermore, they failed to consult with doctors regarding the shooter’s mental condition beforehand.
The assessment, released on November 21, indicated that the suspect had difficulties understanding the charges, communicating effectively, and controlling his emotions. Prosecutors deemed this made the interrogation unlawful under Sections 14 and 134 of the Criminal Procedure Code and Section 6 of the Juvenile and Family Court and Procedure Act.
