All silent on Phuket Tourist Police kratom shootout

PHUKET: The two survivors of a lethal shootout at an apartment near Phuket Town last month have both refused to give police statements describing the events that led to the fatal gunfight.

Sen Sgt Maj Pinchai Piyadilok of the Phuket Tourist Police remains at the Prince of Songkla University Hospital in Haad Yai, where he is recovering from gunshot wounds to the stomach and right leg, which resulted in his leg being amputated (story here).

Sgt Pinchai, who has been charged with murder, has now twice refused to give police a statement explaining his version of the event that left two men dead (story here).

“We went to Haad Yai to question him a second time, but he again declined to give us any information about what happened that night. He also denied the charge of murder,” Phuket City Police chief Col Sermphan Sirikong told the Phuket Gazette.

Natthapong Kaewkuanchum, who was shot three times in the chest, also remains in hospital.

Staff at Vachira Phuket Hospital confirmed to the Gazette that Mr Natthapong was still recovering in the surgical ward at the hospital, but declined to give any further information about his condition.

“Mr Natthapong still chooses to remain silent and will not give us any information about who shot him or what happened,” Col Sermphan said.

“Both parties have the right to remain silent. Anything that needs to be said can be said in court,” he added.

Meanwhile, Col Sermphan is continuing with his investigation.

“We are waiting for the Phuket Forensics Office to return examination results of bullets and casings found at the scene. We have no idea when the results will arrive, but as soon as they do we will present our case to the public prosecutor. We have collected enough evidence and witness statements,” Col Sermphan said.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong