Another election canvasser shot dead

By THE NATION

A Bhum Jai Thai canvasser based in Ratchaburi was yesterday shot dead while travelling in his pickup truck, with police indicating either national politics or corruption within a local political body under his supervision as possible motives.

In his mobile phone, police found an text message recently sent to Witthaya Sriphum, head of Don Yai tambon administrative organisation (TAO), saying, "Stay neutral, don't canvass for anyone," and are investigating who sent it. Witthaya, 49, canvassed for Bhum Jai Thai candidate Bundamrong Prasertsopha.

Witthaya was last heard speaking, at some time before 9am, to an aide waiting for him at a meeting, saying he was on his way. A call was made to police one hour later, reporting a pickup truck had run off the road with a man inside, but there were no known witnesses.

Two bullet holes were found on Witthaya's truck and one bullet wound in his right temple. Police, relying on initial trajectory inspection, said the bullets could have been fired by assailants in a vehicle or from a motorcycle driving alongside the victim's pickup.

Police said Witthaya had recently transferred two officials after a corruption scandal and this could have been a motive behind his murder, in addition to canvassing work for the Bhum Jai Thai Party. His wife Kanokwan said he never told her anything about his work.

Meanwhile, two men suspected of being part of a hit team that killed Bhum Jai Thai canvasser Suban Jiraphanwanich were yesterday placed in the court's custody for a first 12-day period. Police said Ekkachai Pomphadej, the alleged getaway motorcyclist, and Trakool Thongthip, the alleged target identifier, had confessed to the crimes.

Police are looking for alleged gunman Siraphong Artdej, and another alleged target identifier Wanchai Photipiti.

Police have also obtained arrest warrants for two key suspects in the shooting of Pheu Thai Party MP Pracha Prasobdee - Ekkachai Bunbamphen and Akkharawat Phetjanthra, after the Samut Prakan court yesterday accepted additional evidence supplied by police.

Police say they are intensifying security measures in eight of the 33 Bangkok constituencies in the final week before the July 3 general election. Deputy Bangkok police chief Pol Maj-General Krerin Inkaew boasted of success after violence-free campaigns in the eight areas after police mediated a recent meeting of all candidates.

-- The Nation 2011-06-28

Convenient message. I vote for a local settling of accounts. The election provided cover to get rid of someone.

So, will police ever make the arrests of those who hired these guys? Don't hold your breath.