Investigators have gathered sufficient evidence in connection with the slaughter of 13 Chinese sailors on Mekong River earlier this month and truth will be clear within this week, Chalerm Ubumrung, Thai deputy Prime Minister said on Tuesday.

"Investigation is quite complete at this moment. Investigators have gathered enough evidence for solving the case," the Thairath Online quoted Chalerm as saying in the cabinet meeting.

"By the end of this week, it will be clear that this case is a mistake or a misconduct and whom the drugs (found on board) belong to," he added.

Chalerm, who is in charge of security and oversees the national police, insisted that this case has nothing to do with the country 's institutes but was conducted on an individual basis.

"Although the Third Army Region has a reputation for drug suppression, there are some mischievous men included as well," he said.

Two cargo ships, Huaping and Yu Xing 8, were attacked on Oct. 5 on Mekong River near the golden triangle area and 13 Chinese sailors were killed.

Nine army men from the Third Army Region guarding Thailand's northern border were identified as suspects of this case last Friday by Thai police chief Pol Gen Priewpan Damapong. They reportedly turned themselves in earlier that day after the issue of an arrest warrant by the police and are now facing charges of murder and tampering of evidence, which they denied.