The superior of Sivakorn Saibua, the policer officer shot dead at a party last week, has killed himself. Police commander Wachira Yaothaisong died at a property in the central province of Pathum Thani yesterday, September 11.
He was one of 25 officers being questioned over the fatal shooting of Sivakorn, in neighbouring Nakhon Pathom province on Wednesday, September 6. Sivakorn was shot at a party hosted by village headman, Praveen Chanklai.
Praveen allegedly ordered his henchman, Thananchai Manmak, to kill the victim after Sivakorn declined to facilitate the promotion of Praveen’s police officer nephew by bypassing official channels. Thananchai himself later died in a police shootout while resisting arrest in neighbouring Kanchanaburi.
Sivakorn’s murder led to two senior police officers being transferred to inactive duty, along with all other officers who had been at the party. Those transferred included the now-deceased Wachira, who was accused of inviting Sivakorn to the party.
Six police officers have now been formally charged with assisting Sivarkorn’s alleged murderer, Thanachai. They have been dismissed from the force and bail has been denied for each of them. According to the report, some have confessed to the allegations.
Praveen, who is also in custody, denies all allegations and continues to insist he is innocent.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express | Bangkok Post | Thai PBS World