Suspect named in boatman’s murder

PHUKET: Police have named a man they wish to interview in connection with the murder of Koh Yao longtail boatman Bangsen Jaidee, whose body was found floating in the sea off Naka Noi island yesterday. Pol Col Chatchai Sakulporn, superintendent of Thalang District Police Station, named the wanted man as Siwadol “Dol” Lomin, also from Koh Yao, a member of the sports department staff at the world-renowned Amanpuri resort. Col Chatchai said police believe that, after the killing, Dol pretended to be insane in order to avoid arrest – under Thai law, anyone who is certified as insane may not be charged with a crime. His family sent him to Saranlom Hospital in Surat Thani, which specializes in diseases of the mind. But police believe that Dol is not insane, said Col Chatchai. He pointed out that Dol had booked a nine-day vacation, starting on Sunday, the day after the murder. In addition, witnesses had also told police that Dol was wearing a wig and sunglasses in an unsuccessful attempt to disguise himself when he arrived at Koh Yao with K. Bangsen’s boat on Saturday. “This leads us to believe that he planned to kill Bangsen Jaidee,” Col Chatchai explained, saying that he expected to hear soon from doctors at Saranlom whether they consider Dol to be insane. He added that he had asked the hospital to ensure that Dol is not allowed to leave the premises. Col Chatchai said that Dol was alone when he arrived in Koh Yao in K. Bangsen’s boat. K. Bangsen’s son-in-law, however, told the Gazette yesterday that two men were aboard the boat.