This was because the case’s statute of limitation was 15 years, said deputy police chief General Srivara Ransibrahmanakul yesterday. Srivara said police had enough evidence to prosecute Prawut, who quit the police force in October and disappeared.

Srivara said investigators had reported their results to police chief General Chakthip Chaijinda.

Srivara said the evidence would determine if Prawut faced other charges.

There was evidence that would result in Prawut’s alleged accomplices – civilians and government officers – also being prosecuted, he added.

In a separate case, Srivara said investigators were determining if a retired admiral could be charged under the Computer Act for allegedly spreading misinformation online after he boasted on Line that he could arrange the sale of positions within the police force.