Published: 9/08/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Warrants will be issued for the arrest of more suspects in the attempt on the life of People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul.

Deputy city police chief Sumeth Ruengsawat said investigators would ask the court to approve the warrants after piecing together important evidence to substantiate the charges.

Pol Maj Gen Sumeth said the warrants were expected to be issued next week, but did not say how many more suspects would be arrested.

However, deputy national police chief Thanee Somboonsap said no further warrants were sought at this stage.

He was speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at Government House yesterday.

Pol Gen Thanee, who heads the investigation into the attempted assassination of Mr Sondhi, said the premier had summoned him to report the latest developments in the case.

Arrest warrants have already been issued for Sgt Maj Panya Srihera, a non-commissioned officer from the army's Special Warfare Command in Lop Buri, and Pol Cpl Worawut Mungsanthi of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for their suspected involvement in the murder attempt.

Both men, however, are still at large.

Pol Cpl Worawut earlier sent a letter to Pol Gen Thanee denying any involvement in the attack.

Pol Gen Thanee said after meeting the prime minister yesterday that investigators had made considerable progress in the case.

He said the Police Commission's decision not to make changes to the annual police reshuffle list would have no bearing on the case.

Acting police chief Wichien Pojphosri has pledged not to interfere with the investigation.

A "conducive" working environment could help investigators speed up the case and conclude the investigation quickly, he said. "I'm now happy in handling the case."

Pol Gen Wichien will remain the acting police chief until Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon's return from China on Tuesday.

Pol Gen Patcharawat was forced to take a 10-leave by the government to facilitate the probe into the April 17 attempt on the life of Mr Sondhi.

The PAD has accused Pol Gen Patcharawat of hampering the investigation headed by Pol Gen Thanee.