Two Men Remanded in Five-Murder Case in Chonburi
Two suspects were remanded in custody on charges of premeditated murder in connection with five deaths in Chonburi, with one claiming he acted under duress from the other while the victims' family disputes media reports linking them to drug
On August 1, police from Huai Yai Station in Chonburi escorted suspects Thanat "Pong" Kaetthong and Thangchai "Thang" Srinil from the holding cell to Pattaya Provincial Court to seek their remand on charges of premeditated murder and concealment of five bodies.
Pong remained calm and silent during the escort, avoiding media questions and keeping his head down, though visible bruising was observed around his left eye. He did not explain his motive or apologize to the victims' families.
Thang appeared tense and kept his head down while walking to the police van. However, when he heard the voices of victims' relatives he recognized, he looked up and offered an apology, claiming he did not know the victims were a family and that he had been forced by Pong under threat to his own family's safety.
Victims' relatives who arrived to monitor the remand hearing expressed frustration, with many crying and demanding answers about why a father, mother, and child were killed. The family disputed media reports linking the victims to drug use, stating the female victim had reformed after serving a previous sentence and was running a legitimate pig farm and trading business. They confirmed the family had taken out daily loans to cover living expenses and their daughter's university fees, but the debt was manageable and being repaid regularly. They also stated they had never had major conflicts with Pong and rarely saw him in the area.
Succompsit Missachan, president of the Pattaya Bar Association, attended the police station to oversee the interrogation in accordance with law. He confirmed this is a serious criminal case carrying a potential death penalty, requiring lawyer participation under the Criminal Procedure Code Section 134/1. Both suspects have confessed during questioning, though details cannot yet be disclosed to protect the case. Regarding Pong's claim of mental illness, Missachan stated medical examination and expert confirmation would be necessary before the court determines whether it affects criminal liability.
