Vagabond sought for bridge fire

Police are searching for a man who heads a windscreen-cleaning gang on suspicion of causing the fire that damaged part of the Thai-Belgium Bridge on Rama IV Road late last month.

The search was under way after the police reviewed footage from a security camera which showed a man emerging from under the flyover where the city’s garbage bins are kept.

The area was initially suspected of being the spot where the fire had sparked before fanning out on the evening of Feb 28.

Police said they have interviewed witnesses whose testimony led them to Samran Muangkhiao, a vagabond who was staying under the bridge, Pol Maj Pitiphon Phromkaeo, inspector of Thung Mahamek police station, said yesterday.

The court was asked to approve a warrant for his arrest and police are looking for him, he said.

The 31-year-old man is also alleged to be the leader of a gang offering windscreen-cleaning service to motorists at the nearby Henri Dunant and Witthayu intersections while they stop at the lights, according to a police investigation.

Checks of his criminal record found Mr Samran has been arrested for drug offences five times and is facing a murder charge in the Huai Kwang area, according to Pol Maj Pitiphon.

Police urged the public to alert police if they come across the man with a reward of 10,000 on offer for information leading to his arrest.

The fire posed safety concerns forcing the partial closure of the bridge and causing heavy traffic jams on Rama IV Road.

Engineers suggested City Hall close two of the four traffic lanes on the 29-year-old bridge for repair as fire was responsible f or t he structural damage.

Officials expect to finish the repair work by May 15.