Thai court dismisses case on 2004 killing of Muslim protesters, saying no suspects were arrested

A Thai court in the south has dismissed charges against former state security officials over the 2004 killing of 85 Muslim protesters in the Tak Bai massacre, citing the fact that no suspects had been arrested.

Families of the victims had accused seven soldiers and government officials of murder, attempted murder, and unlawful detention.

Although evidence was deemed sufficient, the court ruled that the 20-year statute of limitations had expired as none of the accused had been apprehended or brought to trial.

The court clarified that this decision does not absolve the accused of the charges but rather stems from their evasion of legal proceedings.

Among the accused is Pisan Wattanawongkiri, a former military commander, who, at the time of his indictment in August, served as a Member of Parliament for the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

The party reported that he took medical leave to seek treatment abroad and resigned earlier this month. Other suspects are also believed to have left Thailand following the charges.