Bangkok: Five individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with a robbery involving electronic cigarettes, with additional charges of murder being imposed on one of the suspects. The Metropolitan Police Division 5, led by Commander Pol. Col. Witthawat Chinkam, has disclosed that the investigation is ongoing and expanding, following the arrest of the primary suspects.
According to Thai News Agency, the Tha Ruea Police Station has prepared to transport the suspects, identified as Mr. Narin (Bird), 46; Mr. Thanathorn (Ji), 41; Mr. Phiyakorn (King), 27; Mr. Ekkachai (Ekbod), 42; and Mr. Suwat (Lek), 42, to the Bangkok South Criminal Court. They face charges of robbery resulting in death, nighttime theft, nighttime trespassing, property damage, and harboring thieves. Mr. Suwat faces an additional charge of murder. Bail has been opposed for all suspects.
Mr. King admitted his participation in the crime, stating it was his first offense and that he acted willingly. Mr. Bird clarified he was not a police officer, contrary to media reports, and expressed regret, apologizing to the deceased's family. Mr. Lek also expressed remorse during the detention process, which saw tensions rise between the accused and the deceased's relatives.
A confrontation occurred during the detention, as relatives of the deceased interacted with those of the accused, prompting police intervention. The deceased's relatives expressed their desire to greet their old friends, Mr. Bird and Mr. King, and called for the accused's families to take responsibility and offer condolences.
Commander Witthawat Chinkam stated that additional murder charges were filed against Mr. Lek for allegedly reversing a car into a security guard, resulting in his death. Mr. Bank, a suspect, maintained that the car was put in the wrong gear unintentionally, leading to the incident. Investigators are questioning Mr. Son, alleged to have identified the target for the e-cigarette theft, as part of the ongoing probe.
The investigation continues with Mr. Bank being held for further questioning, and customs officials expected to provide information regarding the theft from a warehouse.