Police arrest key suspect in brutal Kalasin double murder

Police apprehended a key suspect in the brutal murder of two cattle traders, a father and son, whose bodies were found in the back of a pickup truck in Kalasin province, Thailand. The investigation continues as police pursue other members of the alleged gang involved in the crime.

Police are investigating the murder of 62 year old Rian, and 32 year old Piyapong, both cattle traders from Khao Phra Non in Yang Talat district. Their bodies were discovered yesterday morning, September 19, in the rear of a pickup truck abandoned in a field near Ban Non Sawan, Moo 8, Nong I Thao, Yang Talat.

The victims had been returning from a local cattle market in Maha Sarakham province when they were killed. Initially, police suspected robbery or conflicts over cattle trading as possible motives.

At 7.30pm yesterday, police identified a suspect, Chonnatee, known as Yod, a 20 year old local from Kut Sai Jo, Kantharawichai district, Maha Sarakham. Chonnatee is a Mor Lam singer and a fellow cattle trader whose residence is near the crime scene. He had reportedly arranged to meet the two victims to inspect cattle on the day they went missing and was the last person seen with them.

Witnesses observed Chonnatee acting suspiciously, particularly while police examined the crime scene and the bodies. He was seen pacing and talking to locals, police officers, and the victims’ relatives, attempting to explain his relationship with the deceased.

“I have known the victims for over three years and admired them for their good nature. On the day of the incident, we were together at the cattle market before heading to see my cattle. We then parted ways, and I have no idea where they went. I even helped their relatives search for them until we found out they were killed.”

Kalasin murder

Chonnatee was interrogated for over five hours before confessing. He admitted to luring the father and son to his friends, who are allegedly involved in drug trafficking, to be killed. The motive was to steal 100,000 baht (US$3,020) and a gold necklace weighing one baht. Chonnatee claimed he owed the gang 30,000 baht (US$905), and they had threatened to kill him if he didn’t repay.

They had initially ordered him to rob a bank to settle the debt but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead, they devised this plan. Chonnatee encountered the victims at the cattle market, noticed they had cash from selling cattle, and tricked them into coming to his farm to negotiate a sale.

Upon reaching the forested area, Chonnatee handed the victims over to five or six accomplices who were waiting to kill them. After the murders, they placed the bodies in the victims’ cattle truck and abandoned it.

The stolen valuables were divided among the group, with Chonnatee receiving 7,000 baht (US$210). He then returned to his girlfriend’s house in Maha Sarakham. When the victims’ relatives called him, he joined the search for the missing father and son, only to be later apprehended by the police, reported KhaoSod.

Despite Chonnatee’s confession, police remain sceptical about the accuracy of his account, noting inconsistencies. They plan to conduct further detailed questioning and are actively searching for the other suspects named by Chonnatee for additional interrogation.