One of seven people detained after the fatal shooting of a provincial council.
A former Prachin Buri politician and the father of a former cabinet minister are accused of murder in the shooting death of their adopted son, a statewide councillor, in connection with what authorities claim was a political row.
Soonthorn Vilawan, the 85-year-old president of the Prachin Provincial Administrative Organisation ( PAO ), was arrested along with six aides after the shooting at Mr Soonthorn’s house in Muang district at about 8.20pm on Wednesday.
Chaimet Sitsanitphong, 48, a municipal council representative and adopted son of Mr Soonthorn, was found lying dead with gunshot wounds inside the house in tambon Na Muang. Outside was a large area of spent shots. A 9mm handgun and a gun were seized.
He was reportedly shot dying by Sunthorn’s advisers — Thanasarankorn” Golf” Techathanatchot and Saksit” Toon” Chinnawong. All seven people, including the reported militants and Mr Soonthorn, were taken to the Muang city police station for questioning.
Police officers said they were informed that Chaimet, who is alias” Sor Jor Tong” ( PAO councillor Tong ), had been meeting with Mr. Soonthorn about the upcoming election for the chairmanship of the PAO on Wednesday evening at around 7.30pm.
Eventually, the two engaged in a heated debate. According to the authorities, Mr. Thanasarankorn and Mr. Saksit allegedly fired at Chaimet before fleeing. Later that night, the militants were detained.
Local social sources said Chaimet, a Muay Thai fighting producer, was considered the right-hand gentleman of Mr Soonthorn, whose family has dominated Prachin Buri politics for decades.
An official examines the body of Chaimet Sitsanitphong, a municipal council representative and adopted son of former Prachin Buri lawmaker Soonthorn Vilawan, inside Mr Soonthorn’s home. ( Police photo via Wassayos Ngamkham )
On Thursday, National Police Chief Kittharath Punpetch criticized the assault as a reprehensible and ridiculous action.
Officers from the Prachin Buri Provincial Police Region 2 and the municipal police department of Prachin Buri were dispatched to Prachin Buri to integrate with the Crime Suppression Division.
Pol Gen Kittharath claimed the killing was connected to local politicians, but he would not provide specifics. He added that the seven suspects may be accused of conspiring to commit murder and breaking the weapons rules.
During doubting, Mr Soonthorn claimed he was taking a sleep inside his room and was not conscious of what had happened, said Pol Gen Kittharath.
Police investigators have opposed the suspects ‘ loan because they fear they might scare witnesses or interfere with the information.
Mr. Soonthorn, a Bhumjaithai Party part and the father of Kanokwan Vilawan, the former assistant education minister, served in the Chavalit Yongchaiyudh state from 1996 to 1997. He was an 8-time MP for the southeast state.
In June 2022, he received a report of alleged bush invasion in Khao Yai National Park.
Next February, the Supreme Court banned Ms Kanokwan, a previous Bhumjaithai MP, from elected office for life for forest invasion.
A handgun and ammunition are taken from the residence where Chaimet Sitsanitong, a provincial councillor from Prachin Buri, was killed. ( Police photo via Wassayos Ngamkham )