Tong murder trial adjourned until September

PHUKET TOWN: A new prosecutor in the Danis Wayne Tong murder trial this morning asked for an adjournment in order to change the prosecution strategy. The new prosecutor, Jumronsilp Wongintra, said that he believed that the prosecution witness called for this morning’s hearing should not be heard until all other witnesses have first testified. Judge Patchara Panichawara, allowing the postponement, adjourned the trial until September 17, also earmarking September 30 and October 14 and 21 for further hearings. In the dock are Thai nationals Manit Panme, Prajuab Sukkong, Pairat Raksawong and Pratin Praktong, and Belgian Hugo Vandervelde, who are accused of taking part in a murder-for-hire scheme which resulted in the gunning-down of American businessman Tong, 47, outside his Rawai home on June 24, 1997. The five were arrested on November 20, 1997. So far, the court has heard testimony from 10 prosecution witnesses.