The Criminal Court on Thursday acquitted six people of multiple charges related to an alleged plot to bomb several locations in Bangkok in 2015, citing a lack of evidence.
Supaporn Mitarak, Wassana Busdee, Nattatida Meewangpla, Wasu Iam-laor and Somchai Apinanthaworn were acquitted of all charges that included running an illegal secret organisation, conspiracy to commit terrorism and hiring others to kill.
Surapol Iam-suwan was acquitted of all charges except running an illegal secret organisation, which he admitted. The court sentenced him to four years in prison.
According to prosecutors, the six were involved in a plot to bomb several locations including Lumpini Park, Chatuchak MRT station and the Criminal Court.
They allegedly hired Wichian Chaloylam to carry out the attacks but Mr Wichian did not go through with the plan, according to prosecutors. Ms Supaporn was arrested on March 12, 2015 during which authorities allegedly found a RGD-5 grenade in her possession.
Defence lawyer Winyat Chartmontree said the charges were dismissed because there was no evidence to substantiate the accusations. There were no witnesses to back police officers' claims while prosecutors could not prove money transfers were linked to the alleged plot.
The case was transferred to the Criminal Court from the Military Court after the National Council for Peace and Order was dissolved and all security-related cases were handed over to civilian courts.
