Pornthip seeks time to identify bones
Forensic scientist Khunying Pornthip Rojanasunand yesterday asked for two weeks to determine if the bones uncovered during a search of a garbage dump in Ratchaburi were from humans or animals.
Pornthip, acting director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science, said the nearly 500 bone fragments retrieved in Huaychinnasee were sent to the institute's lab after they were sorted into six zones according to where they were found. Tomorrow, animal parts would be separated from human bones and they would be subjected to chemical tests, which were expected to yield results in two weeks, she said. Since the bones were still in good condition, those of unidentifiable origin would be forwarded for DNA testing. Photos of the bones and their surroundings would also be sent to the University of Tennessee in the US to help determine the date of death. The remains most likely did not belong to the missing protesters from the bloody political turbulence of May 1992, as they were believed to be buried together while the bones were scattered around and buried only a few inches below the surface.
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