Murder suspects arrested in Bangkok

PHUKET: Three people have been arrested for the murder of Klinsukon Prangchaipoom, 25, whose body was found in a canal beside the Phuket Country Club Golf Course in Kathu on December 7, stabbed to death. Initial speculation was that the death of K. Klinsukon, who worked in the Millenium Bar in Patong, was a “straightforward” rape and murder. But further investigation in the area where the body was discovered, and elsewhere in Phuket, led police to consider otherwise. Bloodstains, which police suspected matched the victim – and two bloodied knives – were found in accommodation in Patong. Additional evidence led a police team from Phuket to pursue their investigations in Bangkok, making three arrests in the Lad Krabang District. Pongpan Duangsamorn, 25, and Nattiya Mapiam, 32, told investigating officers that a woman called Prapaisri Toomrin had paid them 30,000 baht to kill K. Klinsukon. All three were brought before Phuket Provincial Court. Pol Maj Amponwat Sangrueng, Inspector of Thungthong Police Station, told the Gazette, “We suspect that Prapaisri’s motive was jealousy. Her boyfriend, a bar owner, was having an affair with K. Klinsukon. “K. Klinsukon was warned to leave Phuket but didn’t heed the warning.” Maj Amponwat said that Prapaisri bailed herself out in the sum of 200,000 baht. The two alleged murderers are still in Phuket Provincial Prison, and will be held for another 12 days pending further inquiries and the court’s decision on all three suspects.