Forensic test results delay trial of Nong Som’s killer

PHUKET: The delay in receiving test results from the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Police General Hospital in Bangkok has resulted police having to defer bringing to trial the killer of 17-year-old Sunisa “Nong Som” Saiyoy.

Nong Som was killed by an intruder in her family home in Chalong on July 10 while her parents were still tending to their fruit stall in Phuket Town.

The next day, police arrested Kittikhun Wonghajak, who subsequently confessed. Kittikhun also confessed that he was high on methamphetamine when he entered Nong Som’s home to steal valuables.

He confessed to slapping Nong Som and pushing her face into a pillow to stop her from screaming.

Days later, public reaction to the crime nearly turned violent during the re-enactment of the events that led to Nong Som’s death. More than 60 officers were needed to keep a mob of hundreds of angry people from attacking Kittikhun.

However, as he claimed he did not intend to kill Ms Sunisa and that she was suffocated by being pressed against the pillow, the exact cause of death had to be confirmed by an autopsy, police explained at the time of Kittikhun’s arrest.

Yet, this afternoon, Chalong Police Deputy Superintendent Witchakhom Khamjumpa told the Phuket Gazette, “We have yet to receive the report from the Institute of Forensic Medicine. We contacted them last week, but they said the results have yet to be finalized.

“They said it would take up to 30 days to get the report,” he added.

However, Lt Col Witchakhom did not offer any explanation as to why the autopsy results were delayed, so police could proceed to trial.

“We were supposed to get the report on August 12. It has been now more than a month since her body was sent to the institute in July,” he remarked.

Nong Som’s body was returned and cremated at Ladthi Wanaram Temple (“Wat Tai”) in Chalong on July 15 among grieving family and friends.

Meanwhile, Kittikhun is still being detained at Phuket Provincial Prison, Lt Col Witchakhom confirmed.

He has been charged with robbery resulting in the death of the victim, which is punishable by death.

He is also charged with sexual assault.

— Chutharat Plerin