Bangkok: The murder investigation of a young rescue worker in Ban Phraek has led to the arrest of a gunman who claims the village headman hired him to commit the crime, reportedly linked to life insurance money.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident involved the shooting death of Mr. Sarayut, 24, known as "Keng," on September 11, 2015. He was found dead on a canal road in Khlong Noi Subdistrict, lying next to his motorcycle. The police discovered he had been shot in the neck and chest with a shotgun. Initial investigations considered multiple motives, including personal and romantic conflicts.
The Ban Phraek Police Station arrested 31-year-old Wacharawit, known as "Joe," who confessed to the murder. He alleged that the village headman, Mr. Phanupong, or "Pond," had hired him and provided the firearm. A search of Mr. Pond's residence and office was conducted, but Mr. Pond denied involvement during questioning.
Mr. Joe disclosed that Mr. Pond had planned the murder since August, hiding a homemade gun at his house. On September 10th, Mr. Pond allegedly coordinated the murder by luring the deceased to a location where Mr. Joe ambushed him under the guise of needing motorcycle help. Mr. Joe claimed the shooting was executed with a homemade shotgun before fleeing to Mr. Pond's house.
The motive, as stated by Mr. Pond, involved life insurance money from the deceased's father, who drowned the previous year. Mr. Pond had allegedly taken out a 2 million baht insurance policy, but only a fraction was given to the deceased's family, leading to tensions. Further investigations revealed that Mr. Pond had also insured the deceased, raising suspicions of an intended murder to claim the insurance payout.
Police continue to gather evidence and investigate the circumstances surrounding the insurance policies and the murder.