Many suspects at large after murder of taxi driver on Koh Samui
A taxi driver was shot dead during an attack by a taxi mafia group on Koh Samui in Surat Thani on Sunday, May 24, with one suspect arrested and several others still being sought by police.
The victim, identified as 31 year old former soldier and taxi driver Sikarin, was found dead in the driver’s seat of his vehicle on Sunday night. Police reported that he suffered multiple injuries and five gunshot wounds to the chest.
Officers from Bor Phud Police Station initially informed the victim’s wife that Sikarin was attacked by one man at the scene. According to Workpoint News, police also stated that security cameras in the area were not functioning, limiting the initial investigation.
However, a witness later provided dashcam footage to Sikarin’s wife showing more than 10 men attacking the victim in front of Thai and foreign tourists.
Several suspects were reportedly linked to a taxi mafia group on Koh Samui. This group was accused of controlling the area and preventing independent drivers from operating there.
Sikarin’s family said his child was born last month and that the family had lost its main source of income following his death.
Concerned about both justice and their safety, the family sought assistance from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive.
Sikarin’s wife also revealed that she received a phone call from an unidentified person asking her to meet at the scene of the attack, but she declined.
According to the family, the incident occurred after Sikarin dropped off a passenger at a hotel in the area at about 1.25am. Shortly afterwards, a group of men allegedly approached and attacked him. When Sikarin attempted to drive away, one of the attackers opened fire, causing the vehicle to crash into the side of the road.
Sikarin’s brother claimed the victim had been paying 3,500 baht per month to the group in order to work in the area without conflict. He also described Sikarin as a kind person who regularly offered free rides to patients travelling to hospital.
Video footage of the attack later spread across Thai social media, drawing wider public attention to the case. Police subsequently issued arrest warrants for three suspects. One suspect, identified as 42 year old Jatuporn, was arrested yesterday.
According to Channel 3, police are preparing additional arrest warrants for four to five more suspects. Officers identified the alleged gunman as 28 year old Sahaporn, who remains at large.
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