Audio Clip Reveals Tense Exchange Before Fatal Shooting of Thai Official

Prachin Buri: An audio recording has surfaced, believed to capture a conversation between Provincial Administrative Organization member Chaimes Sitthisanitphong, known as S.J. Tong, and his adoptive father, Mr. Sunthorn Wilawan, president of the Prachin Buri Provincial Administrative Organization, just before Tong was fatally shot. This incident has led to the arrest of Mr. Sunthorn and seven others on charges related to the killing. According to Thai News Agency, the audio clip suggests a dialogue about a 20 million baht issue, with a voice resembling Sgt. Tong asking, "What do you want with me, Ko? How much money do you want?" followed by an exchange about a past financial transaction. The recording, obtained after Tong was shot at Mr. Sunthorn's residence, is believed to involve Mr. Sunthorn and another unidentified individual. Following the shooting, police detained Mr. Sunthorn and the group of seven for questioning. Despite the severity of the situation, Mr. Sunthorn's sister, Mrs. Bang-on, described him as cheerful and unconcerned, emphasizing his affection for Tong, whom he regarded as a son. She insisted there was no underlying dispute between them. Close associates of Mr. Sunthorn who visited him after the incident reported he was not stressed and denied any political motives behind the shooting. They recounted a recent amicable conversation between Tong and Mr. Sunthorn concerning the Provincial Administrative Organization presidential election, which ended with a reconciliatory gesture from Tong. The narrative emerging from Mr. Sunthorn's circle points to a personal altercation involving Tong and one of Mr. Sunthorn's subordinates, rather than a political conflict. Allegedly, Tong had previously slapped the subordinate, leading to a confrontation that escalated when they met again, resulting in the subordinate shooting Tong. Authorities have apprehended several individuals, including Mr. Thanasonkon, known as Golf, and Mr. Saksit, or Toon, in connection with the shooting. Weapons recovered as evi dence include a 9 mm handgun and a shotgun, as the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding this fatal altercation.