Police seize motorcycle thought linked to Sukhumvit blasts

BANGKOK, Feb 24 - Thai police on Friday found a motorcycle believed to be used by Iranian suspects alleged to be involved with Bangkok's blasts on Valentine's Day.

The motorcycle was recovered at Soi Boonyoo, Dindaeng Road on Feb 15.

A motorbike taxi rider spotted the vehicle and informed the police. Trained in a police course to notice the unusual or out of place in an anti-crime capacity, he brought it to police attention.

Metropolitan Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Winai Thongsong said the seized motorbike was believed to have been bought by Iranian suspect Mohammad Hazaei from a Thai owner as the motorcycle ignition key was found in the Sukhumvit 71 house rented by the group of Iranians where the first explosion occurred.

Gen Winai said the former Thai owner was identified as Somporn Klaharn and that police will invite him in for questioning. The motorcycle was registered in the central province of Ang Thong, next to Ayutthaya.

Meanwhile, Sophon Thitithammapruek, commander of Bangkok Remand Prison, said Friday that the authorities have closely monitored detained suspect Mohammad Hazaei to prevent a possible suicide attempt since the suspect has been obviously under stress.

Mr Hazaei said he could not sleep and asked for a change of his cell, said the prison commander, but his request was rejected as the room where he was staying was already safe.

Mr Hazaei, a suspect in the Sukhumvit bomb incidents, was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Feb 14 as he tried to leave the country. He is now being detained at the high-security Bangkok Remand Prison after court approved a further 12-day detention.

He was charged with conspiracy to make and possess explosive devices intended to cause harm to others. (MCOT online news)
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