Gay sexual assault triggered Phuket murder: accused

PHUKET: Three teenagers were arrested by Phuket City Police last night (September 1), charged with the viscious murder of a Thai hotel worker earlier in the day.

Saturday 3 September 2011, 08:35AM

Charin Chokekuea, left, told police he was sexually assaulted by the victim, but claimed he was not the one who murdered 35-year-old Usuf Wattanarot.

Police are still hunting another man – believed to be the victim’s gay lover – in connection with the murder.

Usuf Wattanarot, 35, was found by a friend around noon yesterday beaten and strangled at his house in Wichit District, south of Phuket Town.

Neighbours told police they saw a group of teenagers leaving the victim’s house in the afternoon by motorbike, taking Mr Yoosope’s bike with them.

Police arrested Charin Chokekuea and Kittibhum Jootangka, both 18, in nearby Klong Mudong area in Wichit District at about 10.30 pm last night, where the victim’s bike was found parked.

Police said an Indonesian bank note missing from Mr Usuf’s house was also found in the pocket of Charin’s jeans. A laptop computer, DVD player, a watch and a car key were also seized from the group as evidence.

The two men allegedly admitted they were involved in the murder, but pointed to other two group members, Panuwat Klindee and 17-year-old teenager “A”, unnamed for legal reason, as the ones who killed Mr Usuf and stole his possessions.

Police later arrested A at his flat in Saphan Hin, where he was also found to be in possession of a .38 pistol and one bullet.

Charin told police he was sexually assaulted by Usuf, which led to the confrontation, but stressed that he was not responsible for his murder.

Police have charged Charin, Kittibhum and A with murder, and A was also hit with an unlicenced firearm charge. Panuwat is still being sought by police.

The motive for the murder remains unclear.