17-9-2023 (BANGKOK) In a significant development, fourteen police officers are set to face charges of dereliction of duty related to the tragic murder of a highway police officer that occurred earlier this month. The incident took place at the residence of a former local administrator, Praween Chankhlai, also known as Kamnan Nok, in Nakhon Pathom province. Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn made this announcement on Sunday, shedding light on the officers’ alleged failure to assist their fellow colleagues in need during the incident.
On the fateful night of September 6, tragedy struck as a party unfolded at Mr. Praween’s residence in Muang district, where approximately 30 policemen were reportedly in attendance. The victims of the shocking incident were identified as Pol Maj Siwakorn Saibua, a 32-year-old highway police inspector, and Pol Lt Col Wasin Panpee, both of whom were part of Highway Police Sub-division 2.
Pol Maj Siwakorn Saibua, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, tragically succumbed to his injuries, while Pol Lt Col Wasin Panpee sustained injuries from stray bullets. The circumstances leading up to this horrific event have raised concerns and questions within the community.
Initial reports suggest that Pol Maj Siwakorn had rejected a request made by Mr. Praween during the party—a plea for the promotion of his nephew, who happened to be a highway policeman. It was during this tense encounter that a gunman, closely associated with Mr. Praween, opened fire at close range, severely injuring Pol Maj Siwakorn. Several stray bullets also found their mark, injuring Pol Lt Col Wasin.
However, what has further compounded the outrage surrounding this incident is the apparent inaction of the policemen present at the party. Instead of detaining the alleged gunman and Mr. Praween, they allowed them to flee the scene. This inaction has led to questions about the involvement of these officers in the incident.
It is noteworthy that the alleged gunman ultimately met his demise in an extra-judicial killing, further raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. In contrast, Mr. Praween, who stands as a suspect in this case, voluntarily surrendered himself to authorities. As the investigation unfolds, various agencies are scrutinizing his business activities.
Moreover, Pol Gen Surachate highlighted that data retrieved from CCTV servers at Mr. Praween’s residence has revealed inconsistencies and false statements made by several individuals who were present at the party. In a puzzling turn of events, a corrections official was dismissed from their position for removing the servers from the house and discarding them into water, potentially obstructing crucial evidence in this ongoing investigation.
