Bangkok: No relatives have visited the suspects accused of masterminding the abduction and murder of a young manager. Both continue to deny the charges. Seven members of the abduction team have been arrested, with one still at large, believed to have fled towards the Laos border.
According to Thai News Agency, following an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court late last night, police investigators apprehended Mr. S., 46, and Ms. B., 45, at a residence in the Wang Thonglang area. The arrests are in connection with the abduction and murder of Mr. Rut, a young manager who was kidnapped from the Sutthisan area and later found burned and concealed in Lopburi province. The suspects are currently being held at Sutthisan Police Station.
Both individuals were being held in cells. Mr. S was wearing a white t-shirt and shorts, while Ms. B was wearing a black t-shirt. They were sitting and talking in the cell with tense expressions, presumably discussing their troubles and strategies for fighting the case. Upon seeing the large number of reporters, they tried to hide from them to avoid being seen. No relatives had visited the suspects since morning; they only had bags of snacks and water with them before their arrest. Later in the morning, a lawyer contacted the investigating officers.
Meanwhile, the investigative team brought two cars belonging to the two individuals to Sutthisan Police Station. They also examined the vehicles, collected camouflage military uniforms and other related documents as evidence to be used in compiling the case file.
This afternoon, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Commissioner, will arrive at Sutthisan Police Station to follow up on the case's progress and participate in the questioning himself.
Based on the investigation, it is believed that Mr. S., the suspect, is the mastermind or "boss" who ordered the murder and was behind hiring the team to stage the abduction and the team to murder and burn the body. Ms. B. is a close female associate of Mr. S and is suspected of having a role in planning the crime. During initial questioning, the suspects denied the charges but admitted to some facts. However, some connections suggest the motive stemmed from an internal family problem.
Regarding the eight suspects in the abduction and murder, police have requested arrest warrants from the court on charges of coercion and unlawful detention. Seven have already been arrested, and police are currently searching for Lieutenant Phumeth, the mastermind behind the abduction, who is believed to have fled towards the Lao border.