Phuket
Death sentence for activist’s killer

BANGKOK: Bancha Noppawong, arrested for the 2001 murder of environmental activist Jurin Rachapol, has been convicted by a Bangkok court. He was handed the death penalty but is expected to appeal the sentence. K. Jurin was found shot dead on land close to the Wachara Prawn Farm – where Bancha worked – in Pa Khlok. A number of activists, including K. Jurin, had contested prawn farming in the protected mangrove forest. Somsak Wongsawanond, the owner of Wachara Prawn Farm, was also arrested in connection with this crime and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. The case against him has been dismissed and he has now returned to his farm. The Gazette also spoke with Juroon Rachapol, elder brother of K. Jurin. He gave a cautious welcome to the verdicts by saying, “I understand that everyone involved in this investigation has done their best.” K. Juroon expressed some concern that he, his family or other environmental activists, might suffer violence in the future but added that he has confidence in the government’s action on “influential people”.
Get more from The Thaiger
Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.
Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.
Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.
- Environment21 hours ago
Dengue hasn’t gone away – Dengue fever in Thailand 2022, and how to avoid it
- Events23 hours ago
Visakha Bucha Day 2022. Today is the substitute public holiday.
- Best of19 hours ago
Siam Paragon wins the Best Luxury Shopping Mall 2022 Award
- Thailand4 days ago
First day of Thailand’s rainy season: heavy rain warning for 36 provinces
- Phuket3 days ago
UPDATE: CCTV footage of missing German tourist in Phuket
- Krabi4 days ago
Islands in Krabi to temporarily close for restoration
- Koh Samui2 days ago
Romanian tourist dies after falling from Koh Samui waterfall
- Visa4 days ago
UK Pensions in Thailand losing up to 20,160 baht a year
You must be logged in to post a comment Login