The Phuket Provincial Court made its ruling yesterday (May 19).
Bangkok lawyer Kerdphol Kaewkerd, who is providing free legal assistance to Mr Aroon’s wife, Kulthida Chananan, confirmed the news today (May 20).
“Yesterday, I did not accompany Kulthida to the court, but the lawyer who went with her confirmed that the Phuket Provincial Court did not approve bail,” Mr Kerdphol told The Phuket News.
“Pornthep told the court that he wanted to be temporarily released so that he could find ways to raise money to provide financial relief to Mr Aroon’s family.
“He also told the court that he wanted to return guns and other equipment which he kept in his house to the Royal Thai Police. His parents could not find them, so he wanted to do it himself,” he said.
“The court explained that Pornthep’s reasons for wanting to be released were not good enough for the court to allow him to be released on bail.
“The penalty for this case is high, so the court was worried he might flee or interfere with evidence and witnesses,” he added.
“Additionally, as Pornthep had confessed to what he did, the court said they had no reason to release him,” Mr Kerdphol noted.
The court will hear witness testimonies and examine the defendant’s confession on June 28, Mr Kerdphol said.
“After that, the court will set a date to announce its verdict,” he added.
Asked whether he had spoken with Ms Kulthida since yesterday, he said, “She is satisfied with the court’s decision.
While looking after her husband, who has been left paralysed by the bullet Pornthep fired hitting his spine, Ms Kulthida and her family have been struggling to survive financially.
Expats on the island have since launched a campaign to help support Ms Kulthida with the goal of helping to provide support for the long-term care Mr Aroon.
So far Ms Kulthida has received just B20,000 in financial assistance from the Royal Thai Police. That was in February.