Bangkok: Mr. Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, President of the Crime Victim Assistance Association, escorted Mr. Ekkarat, a software programmer and GPS systems analyst, to meet with Pol. Lt. Col. Nattapol Disayatham. Lt. Col. Disayatham is leading the fact-finding team investigating the death of Ms. Phatthathida (Nida) Patcharawirapong, also known as Tangmo. Mr. Ekkarat provided critical information to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) after the case received the investigation number 20/2568.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atchariya explained to the media that Mr. Ekkarat, a key witness, presented a programmer’s analysis report to the special case investigators. The report suggested corruption in image editing and the use of forged documents. This evidence pertains to statements made by government officials and boat passengers during previous press conferences and interviews. The complete findings have now been submitted to the DSI.
Mr. Atchariya highlighted specific concerns regarding images from the incident at 9:56 p.m. His team discovered that photos of Tangmo and Kratik near Rama VIII Bridge had been altered. They found that San Wisapat’s legs were used to substitute Tangmo’s, and a seat cushion was manipulated to appear as her other leg. The verification process involved examining San Wisapat’s testimony on various TV channels, which initially claimed she took only one photo of Tangmo. However, Mr. Atchariya received three images from a lawyer, contradicting San Wisapat’s statement.
He further stated that the images show inconsistencies, with the lower body remaining static while the head moves, indicating editing. Experts have confirmed these alterations, and the DSI has been notified. Government-registered experts will examine the evidence to authenticate the image manipulations.
Mr. Atchariya asserted that if the images are confirmed to be photoshopped, it would challenge the accuracy of a police press conference held on April 26, 65, which presented the images as genuine. Proving the images as edited could overturn the case and introduce new charges, suggesting that Ms. Tangmo was not on the boat at the time.
The involvement of a former senator was also mentioned, as his son borrowed another boat on the incident day, referred to as the second boat. The senator allegedly used his influence to affect police officer transfers, but Mr. Atchariya believes the truth will soon emerge.
Mr. Ekkarat disclosed that this was his third meeting with special case investigators, where he submitted findings on GPS analysis and suspicious points. He provided 1 TB of media files, including photos and video clips, to the DSI for further investigation. These files aim to clarify discrepancies in the case, such as timing and image authenticity.
He elaborated on the image analysis process, which involves understanding light, shadow, and resolution adjustments. Approximately 10-20 images are under scrutiny, focusing on details like Tangmo’s hands and legs. The discrepancies in the images suggest potential editing, leading to the conclusion that two people, Kratik and an unknown individual, were in the boat, but not Ms. Tangmo.
News reports indicate that the DSI plans to call in additional witnesses for statements, including five individuals and one juristic person, scheduled as follows: Mr. Mongkolkit Suksintharanon on February 3, 2015; the Director and Managing Director of Dek-Kuen-Dee-Wan Company Limited and Mr. Phudit Kamnerdploy on February 11, 2015; Mr. Ekkaphan Banleurit and Mr. Bin Banleurit on February 13, 2015; and Pol. Lt. Col. Paphinwit Rotbangyang on February 18, 2015.