MP for Pheu Thai convicted of murder and sentenced to death

PHOTO: Pheu Thai MP for Khon Kaen, Nawat Tohcharoensuk, sentenced to death today

The Khon Kaen provincial court has convicted a Pheu Thai MP for Khon Kaen, Nawat Tohcharoensuk, of masterminding the murder of a local official and sentenced him to death today.

Six years ago, Suchart Khotethum, an assistant chief of the Khon Kaen provincial administrative organisation, was killed – shot in front of his home in Khon Kaen in May, 2013 on his way to work. He was shot dead with several rounds of ammunition.

The court found Nawat, now 52 year old, guilty of hiring others, including two former policemen, to shoot dead the official with the Khon Kaen provincial administration organisation.

Separately, Nawat allegedly assaulted a party colleague at a Pheu Thai Party meeting held to select election candidates before this year’s election.

The judge said the court’s decision was based on witness testimony, forensic evidence and recorded phone calls. The court has also ordered Nawat to pay 300,000 baht in compensation to the family of the dead man.

An arrest warrant for Nawat was issued in April last year. He surrendered on April 23 and was then released on a bail of 2 million baht.

In its findings, the Khon Kaen court said Nawat ordered the murder because the victim had an affair with his wife. The day before the murder, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Veerasak, Pol Lt Col Somjit and Prapan met Nawat at his home in the main city district of Khon Kaen, according to the Bangkok Post. The court also found that Nawat and Pol Lt Col Somjit had communicated by phone in the days before the murder.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post