Iranian charged by Thai police for Bangkok triple blasts

An Iranian national was on Monday formally charged by the Thai police for his alleged role in last week's triple blasts that rocked central Bangkok in what is seen as a botched attempt to target Israeli diplomats.

Mohammad Hazaei, who was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport last Tuesday while trying to flee to Malaysia, was  questioned at the metropolitan police bureau. Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Pansiri Prapawat, who is heading the investigation, formally notified him of the joint charges, with the other three suspects.

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The charges include assembling explosive devices, possessing explosive devices without a permit, and causing an explosion injuring other persons and property.

Deputy National Police Chief Jarumporn Suramanee said the DNA test showed links between Hazaei and evidence such as clothes, hats and shoes collected from the rented house where the first explosion took place. He said the DNA test to determine connections with another suspect Saeid Moradi, who lost both legs when his own explosive device rebounded, has not yet been conducted.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for the fifth Iranian suspect in connection with the February 14 Bangkok bomb incidents. The fifth suspect is a Middle Eastern man who may have been involved in the blasts.

CCTV camera images showed him walking from the rented house where the first explosion took place. He was suspected of training other suspects to assemble bombs. The police added that it could not be confirmed if the suspect in was N Javad as was previously reported.