Thai police still mulling over letting Malaysian cops probe Justo

Malaysian Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar on Thursday met his Thai counterpart to get an update on Swiss national Xavier Andre Justo who is in Thai custody over accusations that he was blackmailing his former employer, PetroSaudi International.

However, the Thai police are still undecided whether to allow Malaysian police to interrogate Justo over the alleged blackmail on grounds that Malaysia should use proper channels to seek the information required.

Thai police chief Gen Somyot Poompanmoung, after meeting Khalid, said: "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."

He said even if Thai police allowed the Malaysian police to interrogate Justo, it would have to consider what the Malaysian police could and could not do as Justo was not a Malaysian and did not commit an offence in Malaysia.

He said there was a need for the Thai police to complete its investigations first.

Somyot said Justo was likely to be charged for attempted extortion and blackmail.

Khalid came to Bangkok on an unofficial visit and held a 50-minute meeting with Somyot 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.