PM Vows No Leniency in Five-Murder Case

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul declared on August 1 at Thai Ruam house in Suphan Buri that the government will pursue the five-murder case without leniency, ordering police to keep suspects in custody while requesting the Office of the Attorney General to expedite proceedings and ensure maximum penalties. He stated that while the public desires execution, the courts alone decide punishment, and he will travel to Chachoengsao to stress the urgency of thorough and accurate investigation. Anuthin noted that one suspect allegedly wore a police badge to intimidate victims and demanded police investigate how such crimes could occur, emphasizing the case has damaged Thailand's international image beyond merely alarming the public.

The Prime Minister explained that although suspects were released after serving prior sentences, repeated serious offenses like murder warrant severe punishment under existing legal processes. He stressed the need to expedite both the criminal investigation and victim repatriation, particularly since the deceased include foreign nationals whose families are in Thailand. Anuthin pledged to provide maximum assistance to the victims' families and vowed to restore international confidence that such incidents will not happen again.

When asked about coordinating with the Tourism and Sports Ministry, he said all agencies must work together to maintain tourism promotion and safety standards. On the suspects' alleged use of a police badge to threaten and harm victims, Anuthin demanded police expand their investigation to determine how such impersonation occurred. He concluded: "I assure you I will never let this go. I will ensure they face justice proportionate to their crimes—not just two deaths, but five. The public's thoughts are my thoughts, but as Prime Minister I must ensure everything is handled properly."