Two Phuket cop-kickers caught

PHUKET: Police have arrested two of the four suspects they believe are responsible for assaulting police officers trying to make an arrest of a suspect wanted for attempted murder and other charges (story here).

“I was trying to arrest Wirat ‘Kam’ Prabpet, 36, wanted for attempted murder, possession of illegal firearms and mugging,” said Cherng Talay Deputy Superintendent Sommai On-khum, who was left unconscious by the attack.

“But while we were trying to make the arrest, Wirat asked bystanders for help, claiming we were trying to assault him. Villagers believed him and attacked the police,” Lt Col Sommai said.

By questioning villagers the police have identified the four suspects who assaulted the officers, explained Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Peerayuth Karachedi.

“On September 12, Cherng Talay police arrested two of them: Tepnarin Manaboot, 28, and Suchart Wantong, 39.

“Police arrested them while they were chatting in front of their house in the Baan Bang Tao area. Both of them were charged for obstruction of justice, assault and assisting a suspect to escape,” said Col Peerayuth.

“The other two suspects in the attack are still being sought, as is Mr Wirat,” he said.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong