Premchai to be indicted with possessing unlicensed firearms

The public prosecutor has decided to indict Italian-Thai Development boss Premchai Karnasuta with the charge of possessing unlicensed firearms.

Police have seized a total of 43 guns from Mr Premchai’s house in Soi Soonvijai off New Petchaburi Road on Feb 7 after he and three other individuals were caught illegally hunting in Thungyai Naresuan wildlife sanctuary on Feb 4.

The seized guns include two pistols, 13 shotguns and the remaining are rifles.  However, police found out that some of the rifles do not have licenses.

The Provincial Police Region 7 filed nine charges against Mr Premchai, but the Region 7 prosecution chief agreed to indict him on six charges.  The police, however, contended that the Italian-Thai boss should be slapped with all the nine charges and the issue is now being considered by the attorney-general.

Mr Premchai and the other three people who include a cook, a hunting guide and an aide have been granted bail seven times.  They are due to report to Thong Pha Phum court on May 2 during which the court will decide whether they will be given another bail or not.