Acting on search warrants for four targets – in Patong, Phuket Town, Kathu and Pakklok – police today revealed an arsenal of artillery and weapons they had seized from two search targets.
Mr Eed Chaisit, 78, was shot in late April, and police have since established two possible motives.
The first was that his murder was related to frequent spats he allegedly had with someone over a road construction matter on a plot of property at the foot of the hill near Kalim Beach.
The second was that he was murdered because he as the owner of an expensive piece of land, he “stood in the way of numerous developers who wanted his valuable piece of land to build a luxury hotel on".
Seize the day
The first raid by police today was from house in the Yoo Charoen housing estate in Thalang’s Pakklok sub district, home to Ms Natthlada Thanabodinitchakul, 55.
Police detained Ms Nathlada after seizing a Saiga brand 12-guage shotgun along with magazine (KoTor 5452506 registration), dozens of Winchester 12-guage live shells and a bullet proof vest.
The suspect faces charges of having possession of said weapons and artillery without a permit.
The second raid target was a room at the Ratchapon Condominium on Vichit Songkhram Rd in Kathu, where police seized a 22 callibre shotgun, a magazine and silencer, as well as dozens of 9 and 22 mm calibre bullets; a can of gun cleaning liquid (601 formula), and a light green coloured carry bag.
The owner of the room was nowhere to be found, and the seized items have been processed by Thung Thong Police.
Police did not comment about the Thalang suspect's connection to the case of the Kalim murder victim who was reportedly shot with .38 calibre gun.
Police also did not unveil details about the other two targets covered by their warrant, but insisted they are close to catching the culprits, and hope to soon announce the arrest of everyone wanted – the hit contractor, assassin, coordinator and driver of the vehicle used in the hit.
Also, see related news about another Kalim land dispute here.