Man Surrenders, Claims Local Officials Framed Him for Attempted Murder

[webfact]

 

A man sought by police for attempted murder surrendered to the Thai police today, claiming he was framed by local officials and demanding a fair investigation into his case.

 

The man, 56-year-old Somchai, had been on the run after police and local authorities raided his home in Moo 10, Wisai Tai, Sawi District, Chumphon Province, under a warrant issued on April 18. The charges he faces include “discharging a firearm without cause, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and attempted murder.”

 

He was accused of firing a gun to intimidate locals and officials, causing widespread fear in the community.

During the raid, Somchai managed to escape but decided to surrender today at 11 am.

 

Accompanied by his lawyer Ekwee Ekattawat, Somchai turned himself in to Police Lieutenant Colonel Kitiphum Sriphaeo at Division 5 of the Central Investigation Bureau to contest the charges against him.

 

Somchai denied all allegations, asserting that he had never used a firearm to threaten anyone. He admitted to firing a gun into the air on his property, but insisted this was merely to scare away birds and animals. He also mentioned that he had no conflicts with his neighbours.

 

He further claimed that he was framed because he owned over 100 rai of durian and palm plantations and had been involved in land disputes with forest and local officials.

 

Somchai revealed that he had been threatened with violence, including having a gun pointed at his head. To ensure his safety, he had installed CCTV cameras around his home to gather evidence of harassment by officials who had previously threatened him with legal action.

 

“The .22 calibre ammunition seized is not mine,” Somchai declared. He chose to surrender to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) rather than local police due to concerns for his safety and doubts about the fairness of local authorities.

 

Police Lieutenant Colonel Kitiphum confirmed that after completing the necessary surrender documentation, Somchai would be handed over to the Sawi Police Station investigators for further legal proceedings.

 

Picture courtesy: Khaosod

 

-- 2024-06-11

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[hotchilli]

Who to believe?

[john donson]

pot, kettle

fire, smoke

[kidneyw]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

he had installed CCTV cameras around his home to gather evidence of harassment by officials who had previously threatened him with legal action.

Okay, show your evidence.

[brianthainess]

On 6/11/2024 at 1:09 PM, hotchilli said:

Who to believe?

I tend to believe Somchai, as he turned himself in to the CBI, and not any local cops or Local officials, I think we all know they can be corrupt. But he does have an illigal gun, having said that WHY did they raid his house anyway for what ?. Does he not have legal titles, maybe they wanted to destroy evidence of him having Paid unscrupulous officials for the land, when they had no right to sell it in the first place, seem to happen a lot here.