Former Bangkok police chief Kamronwit Thoopkrachang denied he owned the small pistol that landed him in a Japanese jail.
Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit issued his denial during a meeting with Provincial Police Region 1 chief Amnuay Nimmano about his transport of a gun and bullets to Japan.
After the 90-minute interview, the lead investigator in the case said Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit told him he had three pistols, but the handgun found in his possession at Narita Airport on June 22 did not belong to him.
Pol Lt Gen Amnuay said the ex-Bangkok police chief had given "very useful" information during the questioning, but he could not disclose the details.
He again said an examination whether the gun is legally registered is underway. Police have questioned 17 people. Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit refused to talk to the press.
The Police Region 1 chief said he was considering seeking permission from his superiors to send police investigators to Japan to ask for details of PoLt Gen Kamronwit's statements, as requesting such information in writing would take almost a month.
Police wrote to the Office of the Attorney-General Monday to invite public prosecutors to take part in the investigation since the incident partially occurred outside Thailand. Attorney-general Trakul Winitnaiyapak is expected to announce his decision later this week, he added.