3-6-2024 (BANGKOK) A woman was arrested on Monday in Bangkok for allegedly orchestrating a murder-for-hire scheme that resulted in her husband’s death under suspicious circumstances in Maha Sarakham in April.
Wannipa Hamala, 37, was taken into custody at her residence in the Ram Intra area. She faces charges of hiring a hitman and conspiring to murder her husband, Pichit Kleepchinda, a 44-year-old businessman.
The arrest followed an investigation into Pichit’s death, which was initially attributed to natural causes. Police revealed that days before his death, Pichit had survived an assassination attempt by a gunman in Bangkok.
Pichit died at the family home in Maha Sarakham in mid-April. On April 8, he had been shot at in Bangkok’s Wang Thong Lang district. Although his death certificate cited natural causes, his sister suspected foul play and reported her concerns to the police.
On Monday, police also arrested two men, identified as Sarote and Weerapat, in connection with the April 8 shooting. Both were charged with conspiracy to commit murder and illegal possession of firearms. Sarote is accused of procuring the gun, the gunman, and the motorcycle used in the attack, while Weerapat allegedly drove the motorcycle. A fourth suspect, named only as Nattapol, who is believed to be the gunman, remains at large.
The arrests followed the Criminal Court’s approval of warrants on June 2 for the attempted murder of Pichit. Police claim they have evidence supporting the charges against all four suspects, including a money transfer from Ms. Wannipa to the alleged gunman.
According to investigators, Ms. Wannipa and her husband had frequent, heated arguments over his alleged infidelity, some of which turned violent. Police believe that in late March, Ms. Wannipa used an online app to find and hire the three men involved.
Chat records allegedly reveal discussions about hiring a hitman, using a gun, identifying the target, and choosing a location for the attack. The suspects reportedly met on April 1 to finalise their plans. Ms. Wannipa is said to have transferred 45,000 baht to the alleged gunman between April 1-7 as an advance payment, and 33,000 baht to Mr. Sarote on April 6 for procuring the gun and vehicle.
On April 8, Ms. Wannipa allegedly arranged to meet her husband at a restaurant in Ram Intra, Bangkok, so the assailants could identify him. Pichit was shot at that night but escaped unharmed.
The investigation expanded when police learned the suspects planned to travel to Maha Sarakham, where Pichit later died.
In a media interview, Mr. Weerapat claimed he was unaware he was driving a gunman on April 8. He said he was paid 4,000 baht to drive a man who claimed he was searching for his girlfriend. Weerapat stated he tried to drive away when he realised an attack was imminent, but the shots missed their mark.
