Bangkok: The cause of the burning of a watermelon vendor in the middle of a parking lot of a famous temple in the Yan Nawa area has been revealed. The latest update is that the daughter posted a sad post after her father passed away. It was found that the perpetrator had just been released from prison for attempted murder 4 years ago.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred last night in a parking lot of a famous temple in the Yan Nawa area. Investigators from Bang Phong Phang Police Station went to the scene and found a white pickup truck carrying watermelons on fire. In addition, there was a damaged motorcycle and one injured person, identified as Mr. Rachen, age 53, whose body was burned to almost 80%. Officers provided assistance before sending him to the hospital.
The perpetrator was identified as Mr. Pleun, approximately 46 years old, a former driver for the abbot of the temple. The injured person was also an officer taking care of the temple. Both parties had a previous conflict over an affair about a month ago. Before this, the perpetrator had broken up with his girlfriend, which led to a dispute when it was discovered that the woman was getting to know the injured person, causing jealousy.
Before the incident, the injured person brought watermelons to sell at the temple as usual and parked his car at the scene. The perpetrator approached with a bag of oil, doused the victim, and set him on fire before fleeing the scene. A week prior, the perpetrator had threatened the deceased's son with a gun at his home, leading to fear among the local villagers who were aware of the perpetrator's possession of firearms.
Meanwhile, the son revealed that his father's new wife, Kai, aged 40-45, had been harassed by the perpetrator over the phone, prompting a report to the Lumpini Police Station. The son was convinced that the incident stemmed from an affair.
The reporter spoke to the daughter, who suggested that the incident might not be solely due to her father's girlfriend, as her father and the perpetrator were friends, and her father's girlfriend was the perpetrator's ex-girlfriend. She found the violence excessive and did not expect such brutality from a friend.
The Bangkok South Criminal Court approved an arrest warrant for Mr. Akkharat or Plearn, charging him with arson and premeditated murder. Police are currently tracking him down for prosecution. A background check revealed that Mr. Plearn had a criminal history involving attempted murder and robbery with firearms in 2013. He was released in August 2021 and currently has no fixed address or employment.
The latest update confirms that Mr. Rachen has passed away. His daughter expressed her grief through a heartfelt message, lamenting her inability to repay her father's kindness and expressing her love for him in his absence.