Murder suspect arrested in Songkhla

Murder suspect Somsak Panbo, seated, after his arrest at an oil palm plantation in Songkhla's Ranot district on Wednesday. (Photo: Assawin Pakkawan)
Killing suspect Somsak Panbo, seated, after his arrest at an oil palm plantation within Songkhla’s Ranot region on Wednesday. (Photo: Assawin Pakkawan)

SONGKHLA: The top suspect in the homicide of one brother and wounding of one more in Chumphon province four months back was arrested at an oil palm plantation in Ranot region in this southern province on Wednesday.

About 7am, police raided an oil palm plantation at Moo 5 village in tambon Tha Bon plus arrested Somsak Panbo, alias Lone, 37, who was wanted within warrant issued simply by Lang Suan Court in Chumphon.

Mr Somsak was found in the workers’ hut. He or she surrendered without any opposition.

Based on police, on Mar 2 Mr Somsak, accompanied by his spouse, travelled by pickup to a house at Moo 5 village in tambon Phra Rak, Phato region of Chumphon. There, he called for the three brothers in the house to come out and talk to him.

Once the three came out, he allegedly opened open fire at Sitthichart, Sitthichoke and Surachet Sukjoo with a handgun. Sittichart was killed plus Mr Sitthichoke injured. Only Mr Surachet was unhurt.

Mr Somsak then walked back to his pickup plus drove off. The shooting was thought to have arisen through personal conflict.

Police investigators learned Mr Somsak had fled from Chumphon and was believed hiding within an oil palm planting in Ranot area. This led to Wednesday’s arrest.

Mr Somsak will be charged with killing, attempted murder plus illegal possession of a weapon. He was being held in law enforcement custody.