Pathum thani: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has delayed the conclusion of the Tangmo Pataratida case, following its decision to request additional forensic evidence from the Forensic Science Institute. This step comes in light of new key witnesses emerging in the case.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Natthapol Disayatham, Director of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crimes Division and head of the fact-finding team, visited the Institute of Forensic Science in Pathum Thani Province to secure vital forensic evidence. Accompanied by Mr. Kriangsak Suwannasri, a Senior Special Investigator, the team is focused on obtaining images from the discovery of Tangmo's body, which are deemed crucial for closing the case. The investigation team aims to finalize the case swiftly with comprehensive forensic evidence and testimonies, particularly from Tangmo's mother. They also indicated the potential involvement of an individual outside the vessel linked to the case.
Pol. Lt. Col. Natthapol revealed that the investigation is in its final stages, having collected evidence from two DSI cases and five court judgments. These include two major cases in Nonthaburi Province and three cases involving Mr. Achariya Ruangratanapong, leading to a total of seven cases. Witness testimonies have shown inconsistencies, prompting the need for further forensic examination to clarify facts and gather additional evidence, including testimonies from rescue workers who were not court witnesses.
The Forensic Science Institute has committed to providing the requested evidence promptly. The investigation team intends to verify if the gathered information aligns with previous evidence, aiming to construct a clearer picture of the events on the day of the incident. The photographs of Tangmo's body, which the team has not yet seen, are considered vital for accurately concluding the case.
The team is awaiting the compilation of this evidence, which will be reviewed alongside information provided by Tangmo's mother through her lawyer. Although specific details from the mother's testimony remain undisclosed, they are believed to contain crucial points needed to support the case. The forensic evidence is expected to be received by early April.
Pol. Lt. Col. Natthapol emphasized that while substantial information has been gathered over the past year, the request for additional forensic evidence has postponed the investigation's summary press conference initially scheduled for April. He acknowledged the possibility of new characters being involved, as suggested by Tangmo's mother, but refrained from disclosing further details to maintain confidentiality.
The case has not yet been classified as a special case; however, a final decision will be made once all evidence is reviewed. If deemed necessary, the case will be submitted to the DSI's Special Cases Committee. Regardless, the investigation team plans to announce the final outcome to the media once all evidence and testimonies are received, potentially providing answers by April.
Mr. Kriangsak confirmed that the investigation includes evidence from seven cases. All evidence, particularly forensic evidence and witness testimonies, will be meticulously compiled into a detailed case file, currently summarized to approximately 300 pages, for future verification.