Murder suspect on the run

PHUKET TOWN: Police are hunting for a Cambodian fisherman known only as Yao after the body of his friend, workmate and fellow countryman was found stabbed to death on board a fishing boat in the Rassada Port area yesterday. Officers arrived at the fishing vessel Sor Chanachol 444 after receiving a call at 1 pm, said Pol Capt Passakorn Sontikul of Phuket Town Police Station. On board they found the body of a 28-year-old fisherman, named only as Laem. He had two knife wounds on the chest and his head had been slashed twice. Police believe Laem was killed more than an hour before they arrived. Somrak Kodsompong, the ship’s captain, told police that Laem and Yao stayed on board the ship after it docked and drank alcohol while most of the other 32 crewmen went ashore. It is believed the two became involved in an argument which led Yao to stab Laem to death, before fleeing the scene. Police believe Yao is hiding on another fishing boat and are continuing their search for him.