Phahon Yothin police have arrested a 22-year-old man who was caught on a security camera spray-painting anarchy symbols on the sign outside the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road on Sunday morning.
Natthapol Khemngern, who is accused of spray-painting the anarchy symbol on the Criminal Court's nameplate, is escorted by police. The suspect was apprehended on Monday night in Nonthaburi's Pak Kret district. Pornprom Satrabhaya
Natthapol Khemngern, a former university student, was arrested at a filming location in Soi Srisamarn in Nonthaburi's Pak Kret district late on Monday night.
Footage from a surveillance camera in front of the court showing him spray-painting the anarchy symbol, a black circle with an "A" on it — before and after the words "Criminal Court" on the court's nameplate — was a solid piece of evidence leading to his arrest, police said.
Mr Natthapol allegedly confessed to vandalising the court's sign.
He said he intended it as a demand for justice for a friend who he claimed was shot dead by a soldier while riding a motorcycle past Khlong Bang Bua canal in Bang Khen on the night of Feb 8.
Yuthana Sripradit, a former student of Chandrakasem Rajabhat University, was allegedly killed by Lt Cpl Watcharapong Churat, a military officer in the 11th Infantry Regiment.
No progress has been made in the police investigation into his friend's death, Mr Natthapol said.
The suspect said he also wanted to spray graffiti at the Phahon Yothin police station, as well as on the 11th Infantry Regiment premises on Phahon Yothin Road in Bang Khen.
However, he found he had used up all the paint in his can after he sprayed the anarchy symbols on the court's sign.
He said he did not drink alcohol or take drugs before the crime.
Police initially charged him with vandalism under the Cleanliness Act.
Police said the Criminal Court would decide whether to also charge him with contempt of court.
Regarding the shooting of Mr Natthapol's friend, Pol Maj Gen Korkiat Wongsumeth, commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 2, said yesterday LCpl Watcharapong Churat has now been brought for trial at the Bangkok Military Court.
Bang Khen police have also found a pistol which they believe was used in the shooting, Pol Maj Gen Korkiat said. Police are confident there is enough evidence to prosecute the suspect, he said.