Dokset is accused of murdering his Thai girlfriend, Rungnapa “June” Suktong, and then leaving her body rotting in a garbage bin in a bathroom of his home for three years. He denies murdering her, asserting that her death was accidental. He was arrested in February last year.
The case is proceeding slowly, partly because Dokset keeps changing his lawyer – he is now on his third – and partly because only one of the four witnesses due to be heard today was able to make it to court.
The sole witness today, Pol Lt Col Kittisak Nupeung from the Phuket Forensic Science Office, explained how he and his team got into Dokset’s Kata home and found bones and decayed flesh in the bin.
The court then adjourned the case to November 8. Prosecutor Thirasak Sritutasrus told The Phuket News, “Today, there was only one witness – the other three were unable to come. They will give evidence on November 8.”
Dokset’s new lawyer, Suriyatham Thongsai, told media that he too might present witnesses at the November 8 hearing.
When asked by The Phuket News whether he was happy with today’s hearing, Dokset, who is being held in Phuket Provincial Prison, shook his head. “No. Today’s witness told the judge that the police themselves opened the door to my house. But I did it. I opened the door for them. I have to prove that.”
Last time he appeared in court, on March 9, Dokset said he was confident he would be found not guilty but today, when asked the same question he said only, “It is depends on the judge.”
Asked how life behind bars was treating him, he answered, “I’m still alive. I have not died.”
Ms Jariya’s family reported her missing in July 2009 but it was not until February last year that a tip-off led to Dokset’s home, where police found human remains in a wheelie bin taped shut.
DNA tests later confirmed the remains were those of Ms Jariya.