Prime Minister Abhisit Addresses Speculations Over Seabed Container Unrelated to Black May Uprising
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has dispelled concerns linking a mysterious container found on the seabed off Chon Buri to the tragic events of the 1992 Black May uprising. The container, speculated to have connections to the crackdown, is believed to have sunk well before the incident, according to an initial examination.
During a ceremony commemorating the Black May uprising, a 17-year-old girl was seen cleaning a portrait of her father, who lost his life in the unrest against then Prime Minister Suchinda Kraprayoon 17 years ago. The ceremony took place at Suan Santiporn on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, where plans for a Black May memorial have been announced.
Abhisit, in his weekly television address, mentioned that state agencies had been tasked to investigate the seabed around Samaesarn in Chon Buri’s Sattahip district. Findings revealed coral growth on the container estimated to be over 20 years old, indicating it predates the 1992 military actions.
The investigation was initiated following reports from local fishermen who claimed to have discovered containers possibly containing human remains. These reports rekindled hope among relatives of individuals who disappeared during the uprising, sparking a search for answers that has lasted nearly two decades.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the investigation to provide closure to the families of the disappeared and to uncover more facts about the Black May events. However, he also noted the high costs associated with raising the container from the seabed.
Various proposals are under consideration to examine the contents of the container, including drilling or analyzing the coral’s age to estimate the container’s time of submersion.
The military has deferred comments until after scientific and marine experts complete their examination. The Navy, along with forensic experts led by Porntip Rojanasunan, director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science, are conducting a joint investigation.
The Fine Arts Department and the Underwater Archaeology Division have also expressed their willingness to participate in the examination if requested.
Despite earlier claims of multiple containers, it appears there is only one. Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon concurred with the Prime Minister, doubting any connection to the Black May uprising.
Khunying Porntip has stated that due to the cost, the container will not be raised but efforts will continue to determine its age and investigate any potential links to illegal waste disposal practices of the time.
This ongoing investigation seeks to shed light on the mysterious container’s origins while addressing the lingering questions surrounding the Black May uprising and the fate of the missing demonstrators.
