Gunman's death 'may help others'

Activist Charnchai Rungrojsakhon said his colleagues were planning to call for police measures and would launch an inquiry into the public prosecutors handling the case. The activists are worried that the murder of suspected gunman Sutchadej Thabkrai would result in testimonies becoming weaker and the prosecution not being able to implicate Thanayos Wongphim, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the murder of Thongmak Sawekjinda.

Case prosecutor Jatuphorn Jantharaplin said he had told the activists not to worry because Sutchadej’s testimony during an earlier session did not carry much weight, and police had enough evidence against the defendants. 

Sutchadej had agreed to testify against others in exchange for immunity, but was shot dead in a hail of bullets in broad daylight while being escorted to court on Thursday. The court session has been rescheduled for next Thursday.