Prachin Buri police raid five sites in mafia crackdown
It’s showdown time in Prachin Buri as police launch a full-scale blitz against organised crime, swooping on five locations tied to the shocking case of Soonthorn Vilawan, the alleged mastermind behind his adopted son’s murder.
In a dramatic turn, over 100 police officers from the Crime Suppression Division and local forces descended upon the province yesterday, December 15, part of a sweeping mafia cleanup effort.
The raids centred on the 85 year old political heavyweight, Soonthorn Vilawan, President of the Prachin Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation, accused of orchestrating the deadly plot amid a bitter political rivalry.
Backed by warrants from the Prachin Buri Provincial Court, officers stormed three sites in Sri Maha Phot, one in Ban Sang, and a final location in Prachantakham, all allegedly linked to Soonthorn’s inner circle.
The crown jewel of the operation was a sprawling estate in Sri Maha Phot. This plantation-like property, owned by village head Kukiat Saengchan, boasts a worker’s camp and a hefty scrap sorting facility.
Kukiat, notably spotted at Soonthorn’s post-shooting sanctuary, was nowhere to be found: Rumoured to have fled to Bangkok days before.
During the raids, police uncovered two registered firearms on the Sri Maha Phot site and another weapon in Ban Sang, where a suspect was nabbed for questioning.
The crackdown follows the December 11 assassination of Chaimet “Sor Jor Tong” Sitsanitphong, which investigators suspect was politically motivated, Bangkok Post reported
Currently, Soonthorn and six associates are cooling their heels in Nakhon Nayok Prison, facing the music on charges of premeditated murder and illegal possession of firearms linked to Chaimet’s grim demise. Despite a bid for bail, the Prachin Buri Provincial Court wasn’t swayed, holding them pending trial due to the severity of the accusations.
Prison officials assure that the octogenarian and his co-defendants are in stable condition, despite the lack of legal counsel visits due to a public holiday.
Given his age and health concerns, Soonthorn may soon find himself transferred to the prison’s medical wing after completing quarantine.
As the dust settles, officials indicate more raids are in the pipeline, targeting other political players under suspicion. A comprehensive briefing on the operation is slated for December 16, promising more revelations in this tangled web of political intrigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why is the crackdown on organised crime in Prachin Buri significant for local governance?
It highlights deep-rooted political power struggles and corruption within local governance structures, influencing public trust and administrative reform.
How might the arrest of Soonthorn Vilawan impact the political landscape in Prachin Buri?
It could trigger shifts in local political alliances, potentially altering power dynamics and prompting further investigations into political corruption.
What if the crackdown on organised crime extends beyond Prachin Buri?
It may lead to a nationwide effort to dismantle entrenched criminal networks, potentially reshaping political and social structures across Thailand.
What motivates the intensification of law enforcement efforts against organised crime now?
Heightened awareness and pressure for reform may prompt authorities to take decisive action against political corruption and organised crime.
How do these raids reflect on Thailand’s broader strategy against organised crime?
They underscore a commitment to confronting powerful figures, suggesting a strategic shift towards more aggressive and public anti-corruption campaigns.
