Security sought for Jakkrit's widow
As police probe the Saturday murder of former Olympic marksman Jakkrit Panichpatikum, the chief of the Justice Ministry's Rights and Liberties Protection Department, Pol Colonel Narat Sawettanant, planned to ask authorities to provide more security for t
Narat said Social Development and Human Security Minister Pavena Hongsakul helped Jakkrit and Nitiwadee reconcile after Nitiwadee had sought to enter the witness-protection programme following rows with Jakkrit. Narat said he would recommend police provide security for Nitiwadee for a while longer. He added that 83 out of 190 applicants had been placed under the witness-protection programme in fiscal 2013.
Police yesterday were still mulling possible motives in Jakkrit’s killing – including a conflict over a Buddha amulet purchase or a conflict with his wife. As a result, they were not ruling anything out, said Crime Suppression Department chief Pol Colonel Akkaradet Pimolsri. Nitiwadee gave a statement to police at 2.30pm yesterday before going to arrange Jakkrit’s funeral.
Former minister and amulet enthusiast Chaiya Sasomsap told FM97.0 radio that an amulet enthusiast named “Lek” took Jakkrit to visit Chaiya’s Nakhon Pathom home four times.
However, Chaiya said he didn’t know about any alleged dispute and dismissed speculation that Jakkrit had sought his help in the reported row. He said Jakkrit only once mentioned his wife reportedly taking valuables – including amulets – from his bank safe deposit, and talked once with him about amulets. For the rest of the visit Jakkrit just enjoyed his company, Chaiya said.