Suspect surrenders in Pattaya Bolt rider murder case
Pattaya experienced a shocking turn of events when a man suspected of a brutal murder yesterday voluntarily handed himself over to the police. Piriyapong Nampetcharoenphon, known locally as U, presented himself at the Nongprue Police Station at 12.30pm on Monday, March 4, following an arrest warrant issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court. The warrant was connected to the fatal shooting of Chatchai Phaentong, a 30 year old Bolt rider, which occurred last week in the Soi Mab Yai Lia 24 neighbourhood.
Piriyapong, also 30 years old, is facing severe accusations including conspiracy to commit premeditated murder, infliction of severe harm on others, illegal possession of firearms, and carrying weapons in public areas without necessary permissions. These charges emerged after the shooting above episode that ended with one person dead and another seriously injured, causing shockwaves throughout the community.
However, the plot thickens as Piriyapong, while acknowledging his presence at the scene with a group of friends on the fatal day, staunchly refutes his involvement in the murder. In his discourse with the chief of the Nongprue Police Station, Police Colonel Thawee Kudthaeng, Piriyapong pled not guilty to the murder accusation. He implored for a fair and impartial investigation into the case. He further asserted that the fear and trauma following the incident were the reasons behind his initial evasion, reported The Pattaya News.
On March 1, police were alerted to the shooting incident in Pattaya that claimed the life of Chatchai which left the other individual injured. Police rushed to the scene where they found the victim, Chatchai, fatally wounded.
Krisana Boonsong, a Muay Thai trainer, suffered a skull fracture and was rushed to the hospital. Eyewitnesses reported tensions leading up to the tragedy, with a group of youths seen outside the victim’s residence before the fatal altercation. Investigators are examining surveillance footage to unravel the events of the night.
