Krabi killer manhunt moves to Koh Lanta

PHUKET: Police are scouring the tourist island of Koh Lanta, across Phang Nga Bay from Phuket, in their efforts to arrest double-homicide fugitive Samran “Khui” Suetrong.

Samran is wanted for shooting dead his stepson’s wife, Siripan Noorod, 24, and her 19-month-old son Autthakorn Noorod, at their home in Krabi’s Khao Phanom District on Monday night (story here).

A warrant for Samran’s arrest has been issued, Krabi Provincial Police Deputy Commander Boontawee Toraksa told the Phuket Gazette.

“Police believe that he is still in the Krabi area. His mobile phone registered as activate, still on the mainland, but within Koh Lanta District. We have notified Koh Lanta Police to help us to arrest him as soon as possible,” he added.

Ekkasit Noorod, who is Samran’s stepson and now widower to Ms Siripan, told police that Samran often argued with him and his wife.

“He kept accusing my wife of marrying me only so she could have someone to look after her. He blamed her for coming from a family with no money,” Mr Ekkasit said.

“On the day of the murder, Samran was drunk. He pointed a gun at my mom and threatened to shoot her.

“My mom pushed the gun away and ran to my uncle’s house. My uncle, who is my mom’s brother, is also the village headman,” he added.

Mr Ekkasit explained that he was at his uncle’s house at the time.

“Once she told us what had happened, I tried to call my wife to tell her not to open the door for him. I thought he might go there looking for my mom,” he said.

“But it was too late,” Mr Ekkasit added.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong