BANGKOK: Thai police are still undecided whether to allow Malaysia access to interview former PetroSaudi International executive Xavier Andre Justo.
"We cannot decide or reply today, on whether or not to allow (Malaysian police to interview Justo) as we have to know the reason, necessity or needs, and whether it is related to the case," said Thai police chief Gen Somyot Poompanmoung (pic) after a meeting with Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
Somyot said even if Thai police allowed their Malaysian counterparts to interrogate Justo, it would have to consider what Malaysian police could and could not do as Justo is not a Malaysian and did not commit an offence in the country.
He added that there was a need for Thai police to complete its investigations first.
Somyot said that Justo was likely to be charged for attempted extortion and blackmail.
Khalid was in Bangkok Thursday on an unofficial visit and held a 50-minute meeting with Somyot at about 2pm.
Somyot said Khalid "does not want to make it uncomfortable for the Thai police" and understood the situation as Justo was a Swiss national and not a Malaysian.
Moreover, the suspect did not commit any offence in Malaysia.
"If the Thai police allowed Malaysian police access to Justo, it can be criticised by the Swiss Government.
"Swiss officials are involved in the case and have contacted the Thai police, as well as provided a lawyer and other assistance to Justo," said Somyot. – Bernama
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