Highway officer murder: Murder charges hit Nok and crew, along with 21 cops in Nakhon Pathom party

Charges were filed against Praween Chankhlai, also known as Nok, seven of his accomplices, and 21 police officers in relation to the murder of a highway police officer during a party at Nok’s residence in Nakhon Pathom on September 6.

According to a source from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), investigators concluded their inquiry into Police Major Sivakorn Saibua’s murder, an officer from Highway Police Sub-Division 2. The fatal shooting was carried out by Thananchai Manmak at Kamnan’s house in Muang district amidst a dispute over Nok’s policeman nephew’s promotion.

Nok turned himself in to the police the next day, while the 45 year old Thananchai was killed in a shootout with the police in Kanchanaburi. The investigators agreed to press charges against Nok for orchestrating Saibua’s murder and attempting to kill him.

Despite the accusations, Nok denies all charges and is currently being held at the Bangkok Remand Prison. Investigators will forward the case files to the prosecutors for further action.

Additional charges were also filed against six other officers who facilitated Nok’s escape from the murder scene. The officers are 58 year old Police Lieutenant Prasarn Rodpol, Pol. Lt. Narongsak Taeng-ampai, also 58, 59 year old Captain Natthapol Nakkorn, and 55 year old Pol. Lt. Sansern Srisawat, all from the Highway Police Station 1.

The remaining two are 52 year old Police Major Kiatisak Somsuk, an investigator at Krathum Baen Police Station in Samut Sakhon, and 57 year old Police Sub-Lieutenant Nimit Salidkul, a traffic police officer in Nakhon Pathom, reported Bangkok Post.

Furthermore, 15 other officers present at the party are facing charges of dereliction of duty. They are all currently in custody at the Bangkok Remand Prison. Investigators have also pressed charges against seven of Nok’s associates for conspiring to destroy and conceal evidence and assisting officers in neglecting their duties.

A special investigative team has been established by the Royal Thai Police to delve into the alleged bidding price manipulation by two businesses owned by Nok. Read the original story HERE.