Pictures courtesy of CIB.

 

In a breakthrough, The Crime Suppression Division (CSD), under the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), has apprehended a notorious contract killer and thwarted an assassination plot targeting a prospective candidate for the mayoral position of Chalawan Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO).

 

The arrest was made on the morning of 26 June, following orders from Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commissioner of the CIB. The arrest team was led by Police Major General Wittaya Sriprasertphap, Commander of the CSD, with key support from senior officers including Police Colonel Manut Kaewkam and a team from Division 1 of the CSD.

 

The suspect, identified as Mr. Yuthapoommaged 70, was apprehended at a residence in Moo 6, Phanthai Norasing Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Sakhon Province. He was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by Phichit Provincial Court (Warrant No. 116/2568, dated 8 May 2025) on multiple charges, including attempted murder and violations of Thailand’s Firearms and Ammunition Act.

 

The operation was part of a nationwide crackdown on criminal influences and contract killings, launched by the Royal Thai Police. The initiative, spearheaded by Police General Kitrat Phanphet and Police General Tana Chuwong, aims to dismantle powerful underworld networks and ensure public safety.

 

Investigations revealed that Mr. Yuthapoom, a resident of Phai Luang Subdistrict in Phichit’s Taphan Hin District, was planning to assassinate a rival candidate running for the Phai Luang SAO chief position. Intelligence reports indicated that Yuthapoom, once a long-haul bus driver on the Bangkok-Mae Sai route, had amassed wealth through drug trafficking before entering local politics with the support of relatives and political allies.

 

In 1997, he was arrested while trafficking hundreds of thousands of methamphetamine pills and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was later released around 2017 after sentence reductions. Despite his criminal past, Yuthapoom remained active in local politics and was implicated in a 2023 murder case involving the fatal shooting of a village headman. Although he escaped conviction then, he remained a person of interest.

 

Local residents described Yuthapoom as a feared figure who used his drug money and political connections to maintain influence. Reports of threats and intimidation were common. In early 2023, Yuthapoom had a public altercation with Mr. Wanchai, a political rival, during a religious ceremony. Two days later, Wanchai was found shot dead in a rice field near Moo 2, Phai Luang Subdistrict.

 

Police investigations pointed to Yuthapoom as the killer, using a Colt .38 Super pistol. Though he initially managed to conceal the weapon and fight the charges, a 2024 operation uncovered the firearm hidden in a pond behind his house. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment, but he appealed and was released on bail. Fearing the outcome of the appeal, he absconded and went into hiding.

 

While on the run, Yuthapoom reportedly threatened to kill another candidate challenging his group’s influence in the upcoming local elections, prompting police to intensify surveillance. Intelligence indicated that he received shelter and assistance from former members of the PULO separatist movement and past drug associates in southern Thailand before relocating to the central region.

 

The breakthrough came when officers from Division 1 of the CSD traced his movements to a house in Samut Sakhon. With a warrant from the Samut Sakhon Provincial Court, officers raided the property and arrested him without incident.

 

During initial questioning, Yuthapoom denied all allegations. He was taken to Khok Kham Police Station for official processing before being transferred to Phichit Provincial Court to face charges.

 

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating criminal networks and ensuring the safety of candidates ahead of upcoming local elections.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-06-27

 

 

 

Thai politics - where if you oppose the local "influential people" you may end up dead,