March 14, 2018 - 2:41 AM
BANGKOK - Thai police have filed more charges against a billionaire construction tycoon accused of hunting endangered animals in a wildlife sanctuary, in a case that has sparked public criticism of privileges enjoyed by the country's rich and well-connected elite.
Police filed charges of bribery and possession of guns and elephant tusks against Premchai Karnasuta and three others on Wednesday, after issuing nine other charges a day earlier over their hunting trip in early February. The group has denied all charges and was earlier granted bail.
Premchai is the president of Ital-Thai Development, one of Thailand's largest construction companies and a participant in many government mega-projects.
Police say the suspects were arrested at Thung Yai Naraesuan Wildlife Sanctuary with carcasses of an endangered black leopard and other wildlife in their possession.
News from © The Associated Press, 2018