They are still being investigated for gang rape, still having their passports confiscated and still not allowed to leave the country. That is the situation of the two Danish 19-year-old tourists who were arrested four weeks ago.
“Nothing has changed [in the legal status of the Danes], we’re still collecting evidence and witnesses,” says Pol. Lt. Col. Saipin Tijjarat from Chiang Mai police to ScandAsia.
Several Danish media are quoting Pol. Lt. Col. Saipin Tijjarat for almost acquitting the two Danes of any suspicion, quoting her of saying:
“As of today I consider them as being innocent.”
ScandAsia contacted Pol. Lt. Col. Saipin Tijjarat for a comment on the statement but she denies having said any such thing nor having talked to any Danish media except from ScandAsia.
“I have not talked to any press since two weeks ago,” she says.
It is unclear who the media have talked to, seeing as the only person with authority to comment on the case is Pol. Lt. Col. Saipin Tijjarat and her superior Somnuek Thamrerkrit.
ScandAsia talked to Somnuek Thamrerkrit and he also denied having spoken to any media, saying that the only one who could comment on the case was Pol. Lt. Col. Saipin Tijjarat.
According to both Pol. Lt. Col. Saipin Tijjarat and her superior Somnuek Thamrerkrit nothing has changed and the two Danes are still not allowed to leave the country before the investigation is complete which could take up to six months.
“The bail money is in the system, according to the regulation and the suspects’ passports are being kept with the leader of the investigation team,” says Pol. Lt. Col. Saipin Tijjarat.
By Anders Holm Nielsen and Sippachai Kunnuwong
Read more details of the case here
