Not a Bribe

A sister-in-law of fugitive Dr Pipat Luaprasitkul yesterday admitted that he ahd transferred Bt900,000 to his slain wife's family as "humanitarian aid."

The sister-in-law, Wanna Sakulthong, denied the payment was s bribe so the family would not testify against him. Police investigating the suspicious death of Pipat's wife have complained that members of her family were not cooperating with them in their inquiries.

Meanwhile, police yesterday distributed copies of Pipat's arrest warrant to all stations. Pipat was last seen on July 28 when he submitted his resignation as a lecturer from the National Institute of Development Administration. His wife, Wannee Luaprasitkul, died of head and internal injuries on July 19.

Before his disappearance, Pipat said she sustained the injuries after falling down a flight of stairs. Police are examining a golf club and other evidence taken from the house.

The sister-in-law, Wanna Sakulthong, disclosed the Bt900,000 payment after police said they had unearthed the transaction from Pipat's saving accounts. Police threatened to arrest anyone assisting Pipat to conceal the alleged crime.