Thai soldier arrested for murder of delivery driver

A Thai soldier was arrested yesterday for the murder of the delivery driver reported in the central province of Lob Buri last week. The suspect soldier confessed that he killed the victim over a dispute that arose from a car accident that occurred last year.

The 52 year old delivery driver, Akkaradate “Ek” Srisa-ard, was found dead in his pickup with 14 gunshot wounds on Erawan-Khao Neep Road in Lob Buri at 7.30pm on Monday, March 13. The victim’s family insisted Ek had never had conflicts with anyone.

Officers from Meaung Lob Buri Police Station used CCTV footage to track down the gunman, 58 year old lieutenant colonel Prayut Chai-in, yesterday at his welfare house on the army premises. The 9mm gun and his motorcycle were seized as evidence.

Prayut confessed that he had a conflict with the victim over the car crash in December last year. His wife crashed a sedan into Ek’s pickup at a petrol station on December 15. His wife was injured in the accident, and they could not agree on compensation.

Prayut revealed that Ek always contacted him and demanded compensation. He claimed that Ek also insulted him on the phone.

On the day of the incident, Prayut spotted Ek delivering parcels nearby his house, and his appearance reminded him of the previous conflict, causing him to become angry. He followed Ek for over 3 kilometres until reaching the scene of the shooting. He took advantage to shoot Ek while he was parking his car and talking on the phone.

Prayut faces the death penalty for premeditated murder, according to Section 289(4) of the Criminal Law. He was also charged with violating Section 371 by taking weapons into public places without a reasonable reason.

ORIGINAL STORY: Man found dead with 14 shot wounds in his pickup in central Thailand

A Thai delivery driver was found dead in his pickup with 14 shot wounds on Erawan-Khao Neep Road in the Thasara sub-district of Lob Buri on Monday, March 13. The murder is believed to have been motivated by an informal debt and a personal conflict.

A witness, who rode a motorcycle past the scene, reported the incident at Mueang Lob Buri Police Station after seeing the gunman fleeing from the scene.

Officers arrived at the scene at about 7.30pm and discovered a grey-bronze pickup parked in the left lane. Upon inspecting the vehicle, they found the dead body of the driver, 52 year old Akkaradate “Ek” Srisa-ard. He had shot wounds all over his body, and 15 bullet shells were found near Ek’s pickup.

The witness reported that he rode a motorcycle toward the scene, heard shooting sounds, and saw the gunman, who wore a camouflage jacket, ride a motorcycle away from the scene. However, he could not identify the direction of escape or the rider’s registration plate.

Ek’s wife, 52 year old Kaewta, later arrived on the scene and spoke to the officers in tears that she just made a call to him before the incident happened. She waited for Ek to come home for the dinner. Ek told her that he would deliver two to three more parcels and go back home.

Kaewta expressed confusion and shock about the incident and insisted that her husband had never had any conflicts with anyone.

The Commissioner of the Lob Buri Provincial Police Office, Apirak Wetkanchana, stated that the gunman was skilled and professional. The gunman missed the target with only one shot, indicating a high level of proficiency with firearms.

The police are currently investigating the case and gathered some clues after questioning witnesses. They believe the murder was motivated by Ek’s informal debt. The deceased reportedly borrowed money from several sources to pay off his pickup and house.

The police will also investigate the relationships between Ek and his colleagues, and will not ignore the possibility of gambling or drug-related issues.