Two CNN reporters left Thailand for Hong Kong on Monday after their visas were revoked following their report on the preschool mass shooting, which raised questions about the outlet’s journalism ethics and professionalism.
Immigration Bureau deputy chief Pol Maj Gen Archayon Kraithong said Anna Coren and Daniel Hodge departed from Suvarnabhumi airport at 1.55pm on Thai Airways International flight TG638 bound for Hong Kong.
The bureau revoked their visas on Sunday after they reported on the massacre from the crime scene, where 23 children were murdered. The shooter later killed his 3-year-old son at his house, bringing the death toll to 24 children.
The pair entered the country last Thursday on tourist visas, which did not allow them to work in the country. National police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas said Coren and Hodge were fined 5,000 baht each for violating tourist visa regulations.
“They won’t face criminal charges because they had no intention to damage any evidence at the crime scene. They were also not put on the immigration blacklist,” he added, noting the pair apologised for their actions.
In total, 36 people were slain in Na Klang district of Nong Bua Lam Phu, 24 of them children, by former Pol Sgt Panya Khamrab last Thursday, before he turned his gun on himself.
CNN journalists Anna Coren and Daniel Hodge check in for their flight to Hong Kong at Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday.
Pol Gen Damrongsak said that police officers and other government officials who exhibit behavioural problems will have their guns confiscated. “Retired officials won’t be spared,” he said.
He added that members of the public who want to acquire gun licences will have to be certified by the appropriate authorities as having good mental health, and holders of such licences would have to pass periodic mental checkups.
Separately, Pol Lt Gen Yanyong Vejosot, chief of the Provincial Police Region 4, has removed his deputy, Pol Maj Gen Paisal Luesomboon, from the position of spokesman for the regional police office. He was replaced by Pol Maj Gen Putthipong Musikul.
Pol Maj Gen Paisal was heard laughing during a phone interview with a broadcaster when he was asked about the number of victims. Police Region 4 covers Nong Bua Lam Phu.