Man surrenders over road rage shootings

PHUKET CITY: After a four-day manhunt, a Patong man wanted in connection with the shooting murder of two youths in front of Kaset Market, the fresh market near Robinson department store, turned himself in to police early yesterday morning.

The suspect, 33-year-old building contractor Sukkasem Charoenrat, has denied the charges.

Police say they have testimonies confirming that Sukkasem was pulling his Honda Phantom chopper out onto Ong Sim Phai Rd around 10 pm July 5 after having a meal with his 10-year-old son at the Jay Nang khao mun gai stall outside the PS Inn.

Witnesses said that as he began to accelerate away from the stall, two youths approached at high speed on another bike and crashed into the chopper, Phuket City Police Duty Officer Lt Theeradet Jiraksa told the Gazette.

The youths approached the man, whose son was slightly injured, and tried to apologize.

Instead of accepting their apologies, Sukkasem allegedly pulled out a pistol and began firing.

Many people eating at street side stalls in the popular dining area ran for cover or fell spread-eagle to the ground.

After firing about seven shots, the man and his son calmly got back on the chopper and rode off.

A restaurant owner who witnessed the incident alerted police.

Officers arrived to find Phuket Technology School student Nuttapong Naweewong, a 17-year-old native of Koh Yao, dead at the scene. A 9mm bullet had entered his left temple and exited from the right.

Witnesses said the other youth, 19-year-old Sarawut Jitlang of Satun, was shot once in the head while trying to flee. He was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital, but died soon after arrival. Sarawut was a crew member for a speedboat ferry service to Koh Phi Phi Don, police said.

Also rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital was bystander Anucha Waree, 18, who was shot in his left arm.

Lt Col Amponwat Sangruang from Phuket City Police said that investigators visited Sukkasem’s home in Patong on Friday, but he was not there.

A 9mm handgun was discovered at the house, police said.

A warrant was issued for Sukkasem’s arrest on Saturday. He turned himself in at Kathu Police Station yesterday at 5:30 am.

Sukkasem has been charged with two counts of murder, attempted murder and carrying a gun in public without a permit, added Col Amponwat.

The case has been sent to Phuket Provincial Court. Sukkasem is being detained at Phuket City Police Station.