Phuket Provincial Police Chief Col Teeraphol Thipjaroen held a press conference this morning (June 8) at Patong Police Station to announce the arrest suspects Nattasak Simog and Aitsara Bunthod wanted in connection with the murder of 27-year-old Wijitthep Jomjabok and assault of 32-year-old Rachan Banlangsuong at the Lanla Karaoke bar on Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd at 5am yesterday morning. (See story here.)
Col Teeraphol explained that six suspects managed to escape arrest after the incident, however, police were able to identify two of the suspects who they apprehended yesterday.
“We were able to arrest Nattasak and Aitsara after we learned that they had left Phuket and were heading to Trang.
“However, Aitsara decided to come back to Phuket and handed himself in to Patong police at 3pm. Nattasak went to his hometown in Trang on a motorbike and with the help of local police we were able to capture him there,” he said.
“Both men have been charged with murder, attempted murder and carrying a weapon into a public place without a permit.
“Nattasak, who worked as a cashier at Moncan Karaoke, admitted that the incident happened after he and Rachan – a waiter a Moncan – got into argument when Rachan refused to exchange some change with him,” Col Teeraphol added.
Police are now questioning Nattasak and Aitsara to help them identify and locate the remaining four suspects.