Police allegedly involved in murder plot for 14 million baht payout
One of the four suspects in a murder, carried out for a 14 million baht insurance payout in the Isaan province of Sakon Nakhon, accused a police officer of being involved in the crime.
Representatives from multiple car insurance companies urged police to investigate the death of a 32 year old Thai man, Wichian Jityen, after his relative, 38 year old Sakon Sornkaew, was contacted to claim the 14 million baht payout.
Sakon claimed that Wichian died in a car accident involving three vehicles belonging to 36 year old Somsak Wobao, 30 year old Peerasak Raksakun, and 41 year old Pornchanok Onsurathum.
According to the car owner, Wichian was sitting in the back of Somsak’s pickup and accidentally fell onto the road. Pornchanok was driving behind Somsak and was also towing Peerasak’s car. Pornchanok managed to avoid running over Wichian, but Peerasak did not.
The insurance companies raised suspicions over Wichian’s death, stating that the wounds on his body did not resemble injuries typically sustained in such an accident.
Moreover, each car had applied for multiple insurance policies shortly before the fatal incident, raising further doubts. The companies suspected that the four men killed Wichian to claim the payout.
Wichian’s sister supported the insurance companies’ suspicions, revealing that she previously told Sakon to kill her brother out of anger because he was addicted to drugs and had abused their parents. She explained that her statement was made in frustration and that she did not expect the murder to occur.
Accused police questioned
The information provided by the insurance companies and Wichian’s sister, along with other evidence, made the suspicion of murder well-founded. Consequently, the police issued arrest warrants for the four men. Sakon, Somsak, and Peerasak were arrested first, while Pornchanok initially evaded capture but later surrendered yesterday, March 11.
Peerasak confessed to his involvement in the crime, admitting that he and the other suspects planned Wichian’s murder together. He has not yet disclosed the motive behind their actions. Sakon and Somsak have not confessed.
Pornchanok also admitted to his wrongdoing, claiming that he had not intended to take part in the murder. He said that Sakon picked him up from his home and continued with the murder plan, which he only realised later. He claimed that he felt he had no choice but to participate out of fear of being harmed.
According to Pornchanok, Sakon took Wichian to a restaurant, where they dined and drank alcohol until Wichian was drunk. Peerasak then called Sakon to meet him on the road, claiming his car broke down.
Pornchanok stated that he became aware of the murder plot when he met Peerasak and Somsak on the road. He also reported seeing a police officer present at the scene when the group discussed the plan.
The murder was carried out by leaving the intoxicated Wichian lying face down on the road, after which Peerasak ran over him to make it appear like an accident.
The police officer mentioned was later identified as Police Lieutenant Colonel Nanmanas Phosri, who is now under questioning regarding his alleged involvement in the murder.
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