Victim’s uncle testifies in Dokset murder trial

PHUKET: Rungnapa Suktong’s uncle took the stand today in the second day of witness testimony in the Stein Havard Dokset murder case.

Mr Dokset faces charges for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Rungnapa Suktong under section 288 of Thai law, which stipulates 15 to 20 years or death. He has also been charged for concealing a body and the illegal possession of a firearm (story here).

Ms Rungnapa’s uncle, 42, stood as a character witness, recalling arguments between Ms Rungnapa and Mr Dokset. He noted the arguments remained verbal and had never broken down into physical violence in front of him.

The uncle knew Mr Dokset because he had helped construct the house in Kata that the couple had lived in, and in which Ms Rungnapa’s body was found.

With a barrage of questioning, the defense attorney appeared to fluster Ms Rungnapa’s uncle in court today, causing inconsistencies in his answers and eventually leading the judge to declare a recess.

Mr Dokset, accompanied by his current girlfriend, remained calm throughout the court hearing. He is due back in court on March 8.

— Orawin Narabal