Thailand arrests those who helped Yingluck escape

Three police officers, including one with the rank of colonel, have been arrested and questioned on charges of helping former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra flee Thailand.

The silver Toyota Camry believed to have carried Ms Yingluck out of Thailand - Screenshot from The Nation

The silver Toyota Camry believed to have carried Ms Yingluck out of Thailand - Screenshot from The Nation

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan confirmed the incident today (September 22).

According to this person, it is likely that Ms. Yingluck escaped to Cambodia through the land border gate in Sa Kaeo province, 300km east of Bangkok.

Mr Wongsuwan confirmed that authorities had seized a vehicle believed to have taken Ms Yingluck to the border. The vehicle was found in Nakhon Pathom province, north of Bangkok, on September 21.

Police Colonel Chairit Anurit was arrested and taken to the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok shortly after the car was found.

Mr. Chairit is accused of driving a silver Toyota Camry with the license plate Chor Khor 5323 to help Ms. Yingluck escape.

Two other police officers in Nakhon Pathom province were also arrested on the night of September 21.

According to Thailand's The Nation newspaper, General Srivara Ransibrahmanakul, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police, personally questioned these people all night long.

"They all provided useful and sincere information. We are still investigating and collecting the most solid evidence," General Srivara told Reuters.

An unnamed police source revealed that a former deputy Thai police chief was involved in Ms Yingluck's escape.

Until now, people still do not know exactly where former Prime Minister Yingluck is, although initial information said that she went to Dubai (United Arab Emirates - UAE) to meet her brother and intended to seek political asylum in the UK - where Mr. Thaksin has businesses.

Thailand's Supreme Court ordered Yingluck's arrest after she failed to appear at her sentencing hearing on August 25.

Later reports said Ms Yingluck had fled Thailand and chosen to live in exile like her brother Thaksin Shinawatra.

In a related development on September 22, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, the temporary head of the Pheu Thai Party founded by Ms. Yingluck, called on the police to separate public and private matters and not let emotions overwhelm them during the investigation.

He also urged the government to present evidence that the three police officers helped Ms. Yingluck escape, to avoid using them as "sacrifices" - according to The Nation newspaper.

According to Tuoi Tre