PUBLISHED : 24 Nov 2023 at 04:00
The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) yesterday arrested another suspect believed to be involved in the recent Klong Toey shooting that killed a teacher and a vocational student.
Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, head of the MPB’s Investigation Division, said the suspect, Thanapat Ketchart, 23, was arrested at the Susco gas station on Tiwanon Road in Pak Kret district of Nonthaburi and was sent to a police station for interrogation.
Earlier this week, eight people were detained for questioning over their alleged involvement in the Nov 11 fatal shooting in Klong Toey, police said.
The arrests came almost two weeks after the incident near the Sacred Heart Convent School on Sunthon Kosa Road, where a group of men opened fire at a group of students amid an argument. One shot missed the intended target and struck Sirada Sinprasert, a 45-year-old teacher queuing up to use a bank’s ATM on Sunthon Kosa Road.
Sirada, who taught at the school, died at the scene, while Thanasorn Hongsawat, 19, the target, was severely wounded and died later in hospital. Police identified five suspects in the shooting and obtained warrants for their arrests.
Pol Col Thammasak Sarabun, superintendent of Thung Maha Mek Police Station, said that the students linked to the shooting are supported by over 10 senior students who acquired weapons for them, secured them bail money and hired a lawyer to represent them.
Police found that the gang consists of about 84 members who mainly communicate through a confidential Line group chat.
Akkhapol Sirimekhanont, 22, and Thanakorn, 18, the suspected gunmen, were remanded in the Criminal Court’s custody yesterday. They have been charged with colluding to murder and illegal possession of firearms.