FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Forensic report inconclusive on whether remains belong to missing albino barking deer

Forensic report inconclusive on whether remains belong to missing albino barking deer

Forensic examination of the bone of an animal found in May, establishes that it belonged to a barking deer but was inconclusive on whether it was albino species.

Investigation began after an albino barking deer in Songkhla Zoo went missing in February. The zoo director has reportedly claimed the deer was swallowed by a python.


Dr Kanita Ouithavorn, chief of the Wildlife Forensic Science Unit, said on Sunday that the National Park Service has been coordinating with Songkhla Zoo since May 25, after they found the bone with remnants of dry flesh.


The results of the examination concluded that it was a normal barking deer, but could not determine the age of the sample or prove if it was an albino. However, the results confirmed this was sample from the first barking deer that went missing.


Deputy Interior Minister Niphon Boonyamanee, along with the Deputy Governor of Songkhla Amphon Pongsuwan, and Songkhla district sheriff Chaiyaporn Niyamkaew entered the area to join the investigation at the scene. Their arrival follows the suspected shock murder on Saturday of Suriya Saengpong, director-general of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand, allegedly shot dead by Puwadol Suwanna, head of the conservation, research and animal health at Songkhla Zoo. Suriya was investigating the case of the missing albino barking deer. Puwadol later reportedly committed suicide by shooting himself.


Niphon revealed that Suriya had visited his house on Saturday morning and they had coffee together, and talked about the missing albino barking deer. Suriya wanted to solve the problems at Songkhla Zoo and develop it into a famous tourist destination. Niphon said he acknowledged the problem but did not think that it would escalate to become fatal. He believed the alleged murder occurred due to blind rage since the two knew each other and were students at Mahavajiravudh Changwat Songkhla School.


Suriya's body was taken for autopsy to Songkhla Hospital. There were multiple bullet injuries on the body and head. Officers found 17 shells of 9mm guns that were likely shot from two magazines.

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