Suriyadit’s request was accepted by Ratchadapisek Criminal Court, with three land title deeds as collateral.

Bang Khen precinct officers had brought Suriyadit, 42, to apply for the first detention period until April 19, pending an interview of five more witnesses in the case. They objected to any bail for this “influential” man. But the court later granted bail with a warning that if the suspect threatened witnesses or tampered with evidence, bail would be revoked.

Suriyadit surrendered to police on Thursday after an arrest warrant was issued for him over allegations that he hired Jirapan Koisap, 35, and Yuthana Kularpmoung, 44, to attack Udom Deekrajang, the 59-year-old chief referee at the stadium.

After Jirapan landed violent blows at Udom’s head and body with a baton, Yuthana allegedly shot to death security guard Anuchom Pratumma, who tried to capture Jirapan, the detention application said.

The attack on Udom came from an alleged dispute with Suriyadit over the outcome of a bout, which led to millions of baht in lost bets, the application said.

Jirapan is in custody, but Yutthana remains at large.