Two more held for gang slaying

PHUKET TOWN: Two more teenagers believed involved in the execution-style murder of a 15-year-old on January 17 were arrested on Monday in Ranong. The victim, Khajornkiat Tongdeesuk, was tied up, gagged and beaten before being taken to Naamsai beach on Koh Sireh where his killer fired a shotgun into his head. Police believe the slaying was part of a war between rival gangs of youths. Pol Maj Watcharin Jiratikarnwiwat, of Phuket Town Police Stati, told the Gazette yesterday that Nontachai Nilsri and Thongchai Wimolsopa, both aged 19, have been charged with being accomplices to murder and with detaining another person against his will. The two young men fled to Ranong when five other teenagers were arrested following the murder. Nontachai and Thongchai were brought back to Phuket on Wednesday. Police said that they had confessed to helping to detain the murder victim in a van before his killing. The two are now being held without bail at the Phuket Provincial Police Station.