BANGKOK, 5 May 2015 – Royal Thai Police Commissioner Somyot Pumpanmuang would reportedly transfer the commander of Satun Provincial Police and five other policemen at Padang Besa sub-district in Sadao district of Songkhla in connection with the discovery of 26 graves of Rohingya migrants.
Police General Somyot met with authorities in Songkhla on Monday over the hidden shelters and graves of Rohingya migrants discovered in the woods in Padang Besa sub-district. After his meeting, the police chief told reporters that warrants had been issued for eight people, four of whom had been arrested. The arrested men were Myanmar nationals between 40-48 years of age. Police believe state officials have been involved in running the hidden shelters.
Pol. Gen. Somyot said he was transferring the head of Satun Provincial Police, Police Majpr General Soontorn Chalermkiat, because of the latter’s close ties to the masterminds of the Rohingya trafficking ring, who were residing in Satun.
The police chief said more time was needed to collect evidence relating to the causes of death of the 26 Rohingyas.
