Murder suspect may be charged in Germany
KAMALA: A police officer from the German Embassy in Bangkok visited Kathu Police Station on Tuesday to gather evidence regarding the November 13 murder of 21-year-old Waraporn Tawaetwong in Kamala. Pol Col Paween Pongsirin, Superintendent of Kathu Police Station, says that the officer is gathering documents so that police in Germany can charge Walter Roland Oberleitner, 39, a German national who is wanted by police here in connection with the murder of his girlfriend, Khun Waraporn. Oberleitner is under arrest in Germany, charged with stealing DM 20,000 from a casino before fleeing to Thailand several months ago. After the murder of K. Waraporn, he fled back to Germany and surrendered to police there, according to Pol Capt Ampolwat Sangruang who is investigating the case. The Phuket Governor signed an arrest warrant for Oberleitner, which was then handed to the Royal Thai Police who are liaising with the German Embassy. Col Paween said the embassy has asked for concrete evidence so the German police could prosecute Oberleitner for the murder. “According to the extradition treaty between Thailand and Germany, the German police do not have to release the accused to us, even though the crime occurred in Thailand,” said Capt Ampolwat. “But now they can charge the accused.” He added that, “Col Paween and I will have to appear in court in Germany to present our testimony when the case goes to trial.”
