Arrests over Koh Pha-ngan shooting
A GUNMAN who allegedly fired at a bungalow on Koh Pha-ngan in Surat Thani province last week was brought to the scene of the incident yesterday by police for a re-enactment.
Police then took him and two other suspects to court to seek permission to detain them. They objected to the trio being released on bail due to a perceived flight risk. Arrest warrants for issued for four suspects following the shooting at the bungalow on Haad Rin Beach on Tuesday. No one was injured during the incident. Those arrested are the alleged hirer of the gunman, Muang Tha Khanon Mayor Chanin Phetchsri, 54, Chang Pheuk Bungalow and Similan Bar manager Jarong Hongthong, and the alleged shooter Sihanart Chaipinit, 62. Chanin maintains he is innocent.
Police were still looking for the fourth suspect, Jirat Khuadkaew, 38, yesterday. They are facing charges of attempted murder, possessing a gun and ammunition without permission, carrying a gun to a public place, and causing property damage.
It is suspected the shooting stemmed from a business conflict.
Similan Bar, owned by Chanin and leased to a Russian businessperson, was previously ordered by the Haad |Rin Beach Business Association to suspend operations over noise complaints from the neighbours and is no longer operating.
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