PATTAYA, Thailand – Police from Huai Yai Police Station this morning, August 1st, escorted four suspects in the high-profile murder and body-concealment case involving five victims to Pattaya Provincial Court to formally request their detention. Authorities also opposed bail for the men, identified as Thana (also known as “Pong”), Thongchai (also known as “Thong”), Atsadang (also known as “Ball”), and Chatchanan (also known as “Fluke”).
While in custody, Thongchai publicly apologized to the relatives of the deceased. He claimed he had been forced by Pong to take part in the crime and said he had not known the victims. Pong refused to answer any questions from reporters.
Relatives of the victims stated they were not interested in the apology. They asked only that the suspects face the full penalties under the law. The family also rejected reports linking them to drugs, insisting the victims had earned an honest living and had no prior conflicts with any of the suspects.
Representatives from the Pattaya Lawyers Council attended the investigation in accordance with legal procedures. They noted that the charges carry a maximum penalty of the death penalty. All four suspects confessed during the police inquiry. Claims that any of them suffer from mental illness remain pending medical evaluation before the court proceeds with further consideration.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
