Anuchat Hongthong, a 53-year-old widower who is well known in Nong Ya Sai district, turned himself in at 10.30pm to face the charges of raping a minor under 15 and taking the girl away from her guardian/parent for lewd acts last November.

Pol Col Mana Kleepsattabut, deputy superintendent at the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD), said Anuchat initially denied the charges and said he would testify only in court. AHTD investigators will now take Anuchat to apply for the court to approve his first 12-day detention period pending police investigations.

The investigation into the alleged gang rape of the girl in Suphan Buri’s Dan Chang district and putting pressure on her to do commercial sex work has progressed quickly after lawyer Songkran Atchariyasap, who chairs a network that targets threats to the nation, religion and monarchy, helped the victim’s family contact relevant officials.

The girl, who was hospitalised for three weeks after the incident and suffered both physical and emotional trauma, has been put under the care of a state-run shelter for rehabilitation.

Several others have been arrested over the incident, including Pramuan Khanchatha, 24, who is now on bail; Sunai Bunpaen, 22, and Thananwat Kamhaengkhumphon, 21, who were brought for a rape crime re-enactment at an Internet cafe last week; Pramuan’s sister Supree Khanchatha, 19, and her friend Thanapat Saenkham, 31, both of whom allegedly procured the girl for the sex trade.

Mana said that current evidence didn’t implicate any more accomplices or suggest any state official’s involvement.

The supreme body, set up a few months ago to integrate critical work concerning reform and reconciliation as well as national strategy, convened for the first time on Friday to hear about the progress of its four committees, including the critical reconciliation preparation committee.

The committee reported about proposals made by invited political parties on deep-rooted problems such as inequality, a prime cause of the country’s conflict and division. The proposals would be made into a so-called social contract that every party was expected to agree on, Wissanu said.

The national strategy preparation committee said the first milestone of the national strategy preparation, the national strategy bill, had already been crossed with the first reading by the National Legislative Assembly. In August, the bill would become a law, paving the way for the national strategy that would last 20 years at least, Wissanu said.

This, he pointed, would somehow affect national development plans and budgets in the future.

The reform preparation committee also updated the committee about the progress of 27 reform agendas. It was also briefed on four new agendas, including establishment of the environment court.

The committee on national strategic administration, or the so-called mini cabinet, informed the committee about some mega-projects it has proposed to the government, including the Thai-Chinese railway project.

Wissanu said the committee did not raise the issue of the upcoming election in the meeting, only acknowledging the progress of some organic laws essential to the election that are now being deliberated on by the NLA, including the political party bill, and the Election Commission bill.

Police spotted a black Toyota pickup approaching a checkpoint on Tha Sai Road in Moo 1 village in Tambon Klong Hae at 7.30pm.

When the pickup did not stop, police fired at one of the tyres but the vehicle continued to run for another 500 metres, police said. But the two men inside left the pickup and ran into the roadside forest and disappeared.

Police said they found 90,000 methamphetamine pills on the passenger seat. A bank account of Preecha Thongkhao was also found. The truck was registered in the name of Laddawan Ilapat, 36, a resident of Surat Thani.

The two will be summoned for questioning, police said.

Of 1,167 people surveyed across the country during April 17-21, economic problems topped the list of concerns. Almost 88 per cent were worried about the government’s failure to tackle economic issues. They suggested that the government recruit leading gurus to tackle the issue and launch more measures to boost the national economy.

Corruption was second on the list of concerns with almost 77 per cent saying there was still plenty of corruption, especially in government projects. They suggested that the government seriously go after those who are involved with corruption.

Political conflicts were third, and almost 71 per cent thought the government had failed to bring about reconciliation. They called for a clear policy from the government to solve the problem, seek cooperation from all concerned parties, and listen to opinions from all sides.

Almost 65 per cent expressed their concern about law enforcement, especially the absolute power of junta chief Prayut under Article 44 of the 2014 interim charter. Many perceived the use of the power as restriction of rights and freedom and injustice. The respondents suggested that the government exercise the power with caution and think about the pros and cons as well as explain the reasons to the public.

An election was the last of the major concerns. Almost 62 per cent were worried about the election as it was important for politics but the process was unclear, which triggered politicians to make their moves. They suggested that the government invite all stakeholders to discuss and figure out an appropriate direction and set a clear election date.

The raid was led by Piriya Chandilok, director of the Investigation and Legal Division of the department, and Klong Luang district chief Sirichai Traisarnsri.

The raid was conducted after 2am, the permitted hour of operation for pubs.

The officials found 29 patrons in the DJ Zone to be younger than 20 years.

Pub manager Sirawut Phukhiew, 33, was arrested. He was charged along with the owner, Sunantha Buakao, with operating the pub without licence, selling alcoholic drinks beyond the permitted hours, selling alcoholic drinks to persons aged under 20 and promoting the sale of alcohol.

The authorities found that the Wieng Chan pub had a licence to operate but its owner, Payon Iamsiri, was charged with operating beyond permitted hours and allowing customers who did not carry ID cards.