Breaking News: Suspects arrested for Butti murder

PHUKET: Police have arrested at least four people in connection with the shooting murder of Italian resort owner Luciano Butti, 61.

Mr Butti was gunned down while riding a rented motorbike in Pa Khlok on Tuesday night.

Takuapa District Police Inspector Wannarat Mahachode and his team of investigators arrested 23-year-old Rachanon Saowaree at the Takuapa Bus Station yesterday, according to initial reports.

The youth, a native of Kuraburi District in Phang Nga, agreed to take part in the contract killing for 50,000 baht in payment from a business partner of the victim, also reportedly an Italian, police said.

After completing the contract, Mr Rachanon felt under pressure from the police investigation and tried to flee Phuket to his native Kuraburi District in Phang Nga.

He was was employed as a boat mechanic by a Phuket-based tour company, it was reported.

Mr Rachanon was spotted getting on a Ranong-bound bus in Tambon Khok Kloy, Phang Nga, yesterday.

Khok Kloy Police contacted Takuapa District Police, who arrested Mr Rachanon when the bus made a scheduled stop at the bus terminal in that district.

According the initial report, Mr Rachanon has denied the charges.

It was also initially reported that the trigger-man in the killing was a “civil servant” based in Yala, in Thailand’s troubled Deep South region.

A press conference was held at Phuket Provincial Police headquarters this morning.

More information to follow.

— Nation Breaking News