Thai cops release four Langkawi fishermen
BANGKOK: Satun provincial police have released and sent back four Langkawi fishermen who were allegedly abducted by a group of armed men in the waters of Pulau Langgun near the tourist island.
Police chief Major-General Suphawat Tapkiew said the fishermen were released at Satun’s Tammalang ferry pier at 11pm on Monday to return to Langkawi.
“The four Malaysian fishermen were released following an agreement after a meeting between relevant authorities from Thailand and Malaysia to find a solution to the problem,” he said.
Suhawat said the meeting on Monday was chaired by Satun governor Pat ta rap on Rattanapichetchai.
It was learnt that the meeting also involved officials from Malaysia’s Consulate General in Songkhla.
Suphawat said he expected the three Thai police officers and a deputy village head held by the Malaysian authorities to be released and returned to Thailand soon as part of the agreement.
He said Malaysian officials suggested that the Thai authorities write an official letter requesting the release of its nationals.
He said the Malaysian officials would speed up the repatriation of the four Thai men currently under detention.
Satun police said Suphawat would continue with the investigation and had suspended seven policemen, including the three held by the Malaysian authorities, for alleged involvement in the robbery near Pulau Langgun.
Suphawat said the three Thai policemen and the deputy village head were being detained in Kedah and their firearms had been confiscated.
"Everything will be done in accordance with the law.
“If they (the Thai policemen) have not committed any wrongdoing, they will get back their jobs.
“This process will take some time because it is a sensitive issue.”