CNN reporters leave Thailand after controversial report: Bangkok Post

TWO CNN reporters left Thailand for Hong Kong after their visas were withdrawn following their report on the preschool mass shooting raised questions about their ethics and professionalism.

Immigration Bureau deputy chief Maj. Gen. Archayon Kraithong said Anna Coren and Daniel Hodge departed from Suvarnabhumi airport on Thai Airways International flight TG638 bound for Hong Kong. They left for the airport from the bureau's Suan Phlu office, he said.

The bureau revoked their visas after they reported the story from the crime scene inside the child care centre where 23 children had been murdered. The two had entered the country on tourist visas, which did not allow them to work in the country.

National police chief Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas said Coren and Hodge were fined 5,000 baht each for violating tourist visa regulations. They would not face criminal charges because the reporters had no intention to damage any evidence at the crime scene, and were not put on the immigration blacklist, he added.

Damrongsak said the duo apologised for their actions.

Thirty-six people were slain, two dozen of them children, at the day care center in Na Klang district of Nong Bua Lamphu, by former police Sgt. Panya Khamrab who later shot himself dead.

Lt Gen Yanyong Vejosot, chief of the Provincial Police Region 4, has removed his deputy, Maj. Gen. Paisal Luesomboon, from the position of spokesman for the regional police office. He was replaced by another deputy, Maj Gen Putthipong Musikul.

The reason for the change was not given, but it was believed to be for his inappropriate behavior. Paisal was heard laughing during a phone interview with a broadcaster when he was asked about the number of victims. Police Region 4 includes Nong Bua Lamphu province. (Bangkok Post)