Four men judged guilty of a 2013 bombing in the Ramkhamhaeng area that wounded seven people have each been sentenced to a total of 66 years and eight months in prison.
The Criminal Court on Friday delivered its judgement in the case against Affaham Sa-a, 26, of Pattani; Idris Sapator, 26 of Narathiwat; and Kamphi Latae and Ilroheng Vaemae, both aged 30 of Pattani.
The four defendants were judged guilty of attempted murder, making, owning and using explosives to cause injury to life and property, and carrying weapons in public places without appropriate reason.
They were found guilty of setting off a bomb in front of a beauty shop on Ramkhamhaeng Soi 43/1 on May 26, 2013, injuring seven people. The blast caused about 402,000 baht in damage to vending stalls in the area.
The four fled after the attack, but were later apprehended by police, the court was told. During police interrogation they had confessed to the charges, but denied them in court.
Footage from security cameras showed the first, second and fourth defendants had walked around the site ahead of the blast and the third defendant, wearing a cap and with his mouth covered, carried a bag to the scene shortly before the bomb exploded.
Mobile phone records proved the four men had contacted each another.
During the police interrogation, the defendants had said they travelled from Yala to Hua Lamphong station by train and had brought chemical explosives from the far South.
On arriving in Bangkok they had rented a room in the Ramkhamhaeng area. They had bought materials for making bombs at shops in the area. After the attack, they fled to Yala.
The court found them guilty of violating the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act.
The court initially sentenced each of them to life imprisonment for attempted murder causing injuries to others and damaging property. The sentences were later reduced by one third to 33 years and four months in prison each because the court found their testimony useful.
They also faced life imprisonment for their roles in the bomb blast. The sentences on this charge were also reduced, to 33 years and four months in prison.
In total, they were each given prison sentences adding up to 66 years and eight months. The maximum prison term is 50 years under Section 91 of the Criminal Code, so that is the maximum they will each serve. All sentences are cumulative.
The four men reportedly showed no emotion when the prison sentences were announced. Their relatives were at the court to give them support. After the sentencing the four men were taken to Bangkok Remand Prison.
