Weerachart Kahapana, Imam of Baan Bangpae Mosque in Pa Khlok, came under attack at 7:45pm on August 4, when two men on a motorbike rode alongside his car while he was driving home and opened fire.
Imam Weerachart was shot once in the abdomen. His three-years-old son, who was sitting on the back seat, was unharmed.
The two suspects – Wisuth Yokyong, 23, and Thanachai Chunthong, 24 – were later apprehended when they were brought to hospital for injuries sustained while trying to make their getaway. (See story here.)
“The two suspects have been discharged from Vachira Phuket Hospital and are being held at Phuket Provincial Court awaiting trail,” Phuket City Police Chief Col Kamol Orisi told The Phuket News.
Col Kamol declined to reveal the suspects’ account of the shooting. “The evidence collected at the scene and testimony from witnesses are confidential to our investigation. I cannot reveal any further details because it is still under investigation,” he said.
However, he added, “But during questioning, they gave us a lot of useful information in this case.”
Col Kamol confirmed that Wisuth and Thanachai have been charged with attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a firearm in a public place without a permit.
“Imam Weerachart also has been discharged from Vachira Hospital. He is safe and well. We cannot disclose any information that we discussed with him either,” Col Kamol said.