Kothon and 8 charged in murder of PAO member
In a chilling conclusion to a high-profile murder case, the Crime Suppression Division has officially indicted Sunthon Wilawan, known as Kothon, and eight accomplices for the brutal killing of Chaimes Sitthisanitphong, also known as S.J. Tong, a member of the Provincial Administrative Organisation in Prachin Buri.
The case files were submitted to prosecutors today, February 25, marking a major development in one of Thailand’s most shocking political assassinations.
Police Colonel Anek Taosuphap, Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, along with investigators from Division 2, delivered the case file to the Office of the Attorney General on Ratchadaphisek Road. The indictment follows a detailed investigation and case review completed just a day earlier.
The murder occurred when Chaimes was gunned down by Kothon and his subordinates in a shocking act of premeditated violence. The investigation revealed a meticulously planned assassination, allegedly orchestrated by Kothon, who was accompanied by seven gunmen during the attack.
The eight suspects in the case include:
- Kothon, the alleged mastermind
- 32 year old Thanasonkon (surname withheld), known as Golf
- 34 year old Saksith (surname withheld), or Toon
- 18 year old Thanapat (surname withheld)
- 41 year old Sitthichai (surname withheld)
- 38 year old Phatthanon (surname withheld)
- 34 year old Abhisit (surname withheld) and
- Minyarat, or May, the wife of Thanasonkon.
All seven male suspects, including Kothon, face serious charges of jointly killing others with premeditation, jointly possessing firearms and weapons without permission, and jointly being part of a gang.
Minyarat faces a lesser charge of supporting and assisting another person to commit a crime after an additional arrest warrant was issued against her. She was allegedly involved in aiding the group but did not participate directly in the murder.
The case has gripped Thailand, drawing national attention due to the political connections of the victim and the organised nature of the crime.
Kothon, known for his influential position in local politics, allegedly orchestrated the murder to eliminate a political rival, reported KhaoSod.
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