Bangkok: The Criminal Court has granted bail to Police Sergeant Major Namthap, a border patrol officer charged with fatally shooting two motorcycle taxi drivers. Bail was set at 500,000 baht, secured by a condominium title deed provided by the suspect's father. Strict conditions were imposed, including a prohibition against carrying a firearm and leaving the country.
According to Thai News Agency, the decision to grant bail came despite objections from investigators and the victims' families, who cited the gravity of the crime and the risk of flight. Investigators from Huai Khwang Police Station had taken the suspect, attached to the Border Patrol Police Division 21, to the court to request a 12-day initial remand. The opposition to bail was based on the seriousness of the offense and concerns over the suspect potentially fleeing.
The suspect's father filed a bail application using a condominium in the Makkasan area as collateral, valued at approximately 1 million baht. The court decided to grant bail after considering that Police Sergeant Major Namthap voluntarily surrendered, had a stable job, and maintained a permanent residence. As a result, bail was set at 500,000 baht, with strict conditions.
The court's conditions included prohibiting the suspect from leaving the country without prior permission and notifying the Immigration Bureau if necessary. Additionally, the suspect is barred from possessing any firearms and is strictly forbidden from contacting or approaching the victims' families. The court also emphasized the importance of not interfering with evidence or hindering the investigation.
The incident occurred at a motorcycle taxi stand at the entrance of Soi Prachasongkhro 38. Investigations revealed that the suspect had been drinking before approaching the taxi drivers to discuss fares, leading to a heated argument. The suspect claimed he was attacked first, which led to him firing multiple shots. Mr. Phurit Mangthisan died instantly from five gunshot wounds, while Mr. Charin Khunaraks succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Another individual, Mr. Kiattisak Srirat, remains hospitalized. Although the suspect confessed during his arrest, he continues to deny all charges in the ongoing investigation.