Adopted father’s killing’ linked to politicians ‘
PUBLISHED: 7 Mar 2025 at 04: 00
Former Prachin Buri Provincial Administration Organisation ( PAO ) chief Soonthorn Vilawan and seven of his associates will face a court trial over their alleged involvement in the killing of Chaimet Sitsanitpong, aka” Sor Jor Tong”, Mr Soonthorn’s adopted son.
Sakkasem Nisaiyok, a spokeswoman for the Office of the Attorney-General, yesterday provided an update on development in the case against the eight offenders.
The various seven suspects were identified as Thanasarankorn Techathanatchot, Saksit Chinwong, Thanapat Songsang, Apisit Sodchuen, Sitthichai Sriphakdee, Phatthanon Boonchu and Minyarat Phacharamarnkul.
Chaimet was tragically shot at a house belonging to Mr Soonthorn, next PAO captain, on the day of Dec 11.
The victim was the adopted child of Mr Soonthorn, an important figure in the state and also the natural father of former assistant education secretary Kanokwan Vilawan.
The Crime Suppression Division ( CSD ) said more than 130 witnesses have been questioned as part of the investigation.
The adult suspects are now held at Bangkok Remand Prison, while the girl, Ms Minyarat, is being detained at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution after the event was transferred from local authorities to the CSD.
Law enforcement agents believe that the killing of Chaimet was politically motivated.
Local publications said Chaimet was once considered the right-hand gentleman of Mr Soonthorn, whose family has dominated Prachin Buri elections for years.
Chaimet had supported his family, Napaphat Anchasanichamon, in running for the PAO chair under the Pheu Thai Party during an election, while Mr Soonthorn backed a foe member from the Bhumjaithai Party, the reports say.
After a commission appointed by the OAG’s Criminal Litigation Office reviewed the inspection report, it resolved to report the situation with the Criminal Court in Bangkok.
The claims filed against the defendants include colluding in criminal activities, unlawful possession of firearms and carrying firearms in public without permission.
People are premeditated murder, ordering people to undertake premeditated murder and enabling premeditated murder.
The murder event was officially filed at the Criminal Court yesterday evening.