Eed Chaisit, 72 (previously reported as 74 and 78 years old), was reportedly followed by two suspects on a motorbike before he was shot four times with a .38 calibre gun on April 24.
Last week, police announced they were close to making arrests in connection with the murder following a series of raids across Phuket. Story here
Reporters called to a press conference at Phuket Provincial Police Station at noon yesterday (May 22) waited for hours for police to finally come out and reveal details about the latest arrests.
None of the three suspects was presented to the press. Police said they “refused to meet the press”.
Sutin “A-seesan” Minpan, who was arrested on Koh Chang island in Trat province on May 18, was named as a driver in the murder. According to police, he provided details about the other two suspects.
Police said that the shooter, Athit “Yees” Sanlee, was arrested in Thalang on May 21, and initially charged with possessing a gun in public without a permit.
Police revealed that Athit, who had a “tough” reputation as a bodyguard of a politician for 7-8 years, was also previously arrested for the murder of Jakkrit Nuthat in Kathu in 2012.
However, the Phuket prosecutor did not pursue charges against Athit in that case due to insufficient evidence.
The third suspect, named as Tieb Nunueng, was arrested in Trang on May 21.
Police have charged him as the main conspirator in the murder, which was allegedly ordered after a dispute between the suspect and the victim over a land lease contract dispute.
According to police, Mr Tieb became enraged when the victim refused to renew the B2,000 a month contract, which had been rolling for 15 years.
Police added that they believe that the money used to pay for the hit was raised by selling Kratom grown on the disputed land, near Kalim beach.
Though police had presented to the press numerous weapons seized in previous weeks, they didn't present the actual murder weapon nor other critical evidence, much of which they said had been destroyed by Mr Tieb.
Police Major General Phatchara Bunyasit, commander of Phuket Provincial Police told the press, "All thee suspects declined to appear in public. … Many guns are connected to the suspect [Mr Athit]. Some guns can be tracked by registration, but others can't be...
“Thanks to Kathu police who did a great job. I am sure the suspects will be prosecuted in this case. I will see to it."
Following the announcement, teary-eyed relatives of the victim presented flowers to Gen Phatchara. One said, "Thank You. Similar murder cases have happened many times in Patong. But, this is first case solved in my lifetime."