Murder probe focuses on Songkhla Lake project

Nakhon Songkhla Municipality mayor Peera Tantiseranee was gunned down on November 6.
A pickup linked to the gunmen was found shortly after parked at the Samila Radio Station, which is owned by Utis’ brother Kitti Chuchuay.
Up to 50 armed police carried out the searches at three spots yesterday: Kitti’s house, and MN Mansion owned by Kitti, which is up for rent, plus Utis’ office.
Provincial Police Region 9 deputy commissioner Maj General Chinnatat Meesuk led the searches.
Police have already identified one of the gunmen as Niwat Ratkaew. Witnesses said Niwat had stayed at |MN Mansion before the murder took place.
During the searches yesterday, police found security cameras had been removed from MN Mansion and the control box for a closed-circuit television system was gone.
Kitti was not present during the searches at either MN Mansion or his house.
Utis was not at his office either when police conducted the search there. Officials at the Songkhla Administra-tive Organisation provided co-operation and handed over documents requested by police.
Investigators expressed interest in documents related to the cable-car project over Songkhla Lake, which Peera had strongly opposed.
Provincial Police Region 9 chief Lt General Pisit Pisuttisak said the inquiry was progressing and solid evidence was now in police hands.
“We are confident that we will be able to nail down the masterminds,” Pisit said.
Many people had given police tips about Niwat’s movements.
“We believe he has gone into hiding in provinces nearby Songkhla,” he said.
Pol General Ratchata Yensuang, a National Police Office senior adviser on the case, said an arrest warrant would be issued soon for Niwat’s accomplice in the murder.