Scavenger confesses to series of acid attacks in Bangkok

June 11, 2012

BANGKOK, June 11- Police in the Thai capital detained a scavenger who confessed to committing 30 attacks splashing corrosive Liquid on random passersby during May and early June.

Rachan Teerakijnukul, a 50-year-old scavenger, confessed he rode his tricycle cart to several areas and splashed chemicals on passersby as he felt upset and dissatisfied that people looked down on him.

In addition to feeling insulted by other people, he admitted to having a drug habit, being addicted crystal meth or ‘ice’, Acting Metropolitan Police Bureau Chief Kamronwit Thoopkrachang told a press briefing today.

Meanwhile, after Thai and foreign victims identified him correctly, the detainee was taken to the crime scene to reenact some of the attacks.

A series of corrosive acid attacks occurred in several areas of the capital, including Saphan Khwai, Pratunam, Ratchaprasong, Victory Monument, and Lat Phrao.

The suspect was arrested at his home in the Sutthisan area late Sunday. Police seized his tricycle cart, used to collect scraps and bathroom cleanser bottles which he used to harm the victims.

In a related development, Pol Maj-Gen Kamronwit said that the chemical substance used for the attacks was identified as concentrated Liquid drain cleaner, which caused the victim suffering from chemical burns. (MCOT online news)

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