Khaosod English: Police say seven soldiers wanted for killing four men during a raid in Pattani province failed to report to hear murder charges Wednesday.

 

The seven soldiers postponed the meeting “indefinitely,” said Pol.Maj.Gen. Kritsakorn Pleethanyawong, commander of Pattani police force. The men were scheduled to report to Thung Yang Daeng Police Station to be formally charged with murder for their role in the deadly raid on To Chud village on 25 March.

 

The raid was conducted by a team of soliers, police, and paramilitary rangers in an effort to arrest suspected members of a local militant group who authorities believed were planning to stage attacks in the region. Police say the suspected insurgents opened fire on security officers, prompting them to shoot back and ultimately kill four men. Twenty-two others were also detained after the raid and taken to army camps for interrogation.

 

However, it later emerged that none of the deceased had any pre-existing records or arrest warrants related to the insurgency. Thirteen of the 22 detainees were also released from custody on 28 March without any charges. In response to an outcry from community leaders and relatives of the victims, Thai authorities agreed to convene a 15-member panel to investigate the incident.