Policeman dies from beating

PATONG: A police sergeant from Kathu who was beaten into a coma on Sunday by two assailants has died in the Bangkok Phuket Hospital from bleeding in the brain.

Pol Lt Col Chawalit Niemwadee, Deputy Superintendent of Kathu Police Station, told the Gazette that he had been informed on Tuesday by the hospital that Pol Sgt Pramual Thongaugsorn died from severe brain hemorrhage.

Sgt Pramual was attacked by two men in a noodle shop in Nanai Rd. One of the men, Wisanu Bumlungsak, subsequently killed himself when cornered by police.

The other attacker, now being sought on a murder charge, has been identified as Sompong “Noom” Prayongyam, 23, also known as “Jorm”. He is believed to be still in Phuket, Col Chawalit said, adding, “I have heard that someone is hiding him.”

Sgt Pramual was due to be cremated this afternoon at Laem Petch temple in Patong.