Thai man burned to death after abduction involved 9 suspects
Police identified nine suspects linked to the abduction and murder of a Thai man whose body was found at a house in Lop Buri province yesterday, February 3, after he was reported missing from Bangkok on February 18.
The victim was identified as Rut “Top” Meneeprasert. His mother filed a missing person report at Sutthisan Police Station in Bangkok on February 19, stating she last saw him on February 18 at about 5.45am before he left home for work.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage along Top’s route after he left his accommodation. In one clip, he was seen parking his white Honda HR-V in Soi Ratchada 18 when his car was blocked by a grey Toyota Fortuner SUV and a motorcycle.
Four men reportedly got out of the SUV, restrained Top and forced him into the vehicle before driving away. Police said he was later taken to a rented house in Samut Prakan.
Officers later found Top’s body at an abandoned house in Chai Badan district, Lop Buri, yesterday. Based on the condition of the body, police suspected he was burned to death.
Further investigation reportedly indicated that nine suspects were involved in the murder. Channel 7 reported that seven suspects were arrested, while two others were still on the run.
Media reports said those involved were split into two groups: those who carried out the crime and those who allegedly hired them.
Police said they anticipated the motive behind the contract killing was jealousy and adultery. Investigators reported finding explicit videos on Top’s mobile phone showing him and several women engaging in sexual activity.
Top’s girlfriend, whom he had dated for five to six months before his death, was summoned for questioning. Details of her statement had not been made public.
The Facebook page Big Krien reported that two of the suspects were soldiers holding the rank of acting sub-lieutenant.
The arrested suspects were initially charged with unlawful detention under Section 310 of the Criminal Law, which carries a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both. They reportedly denied killing Top and said they only abducted him and detained him at assigned locations.
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