Police yet to rule death of Chalong drug suspect as ‘accidental’



Police have yet to rule the death of drug dealer suspect Somkid Pakdeesuwan, 31, as accidental. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: Police are waiting for doctors to confirm the cause of death of a drug suspect found floating off Chalong Pier yesterday (Dec 25) before closing their investigation as “accidental death”.

Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers fished the body of suspect drug dealer Somkid Pakdeesuwan, 31, out of the water yesterday (Dec 25).

His body was found floating near the marina sea break wall in front of Phuket Yacht Control Center at about 10am by Marine Police Deputy Inspector Lt Prapan Chanprakon, who was on duty to provide security for tourists boarding and disembarking boats at Chalong Pier.

Mr Somkid, from Songkhla, allegedly fled police officers on patrol and jumped into the water at the pier around 2:30am on Wednesday (Dec 23), said Lt Col Thada Sodarat of the Chalong Police.

“Traffic patrol officers reported that while they were patrolling the street near Chalong Pier, they saw Mr Somkid sitting on a Yamaha Fino by the side of the road waiting for somebody,” he said.

“As soon as he saw the police, he sped off toward the Yacht Control Centre and left his motorbike there. Officers saw him run down the pier and jump into the water.

“They tried to find him, but it was too dark and the waves were strong, However, they found a plastic bag containing 5,195 ya ba (methamphetamine) pills floating in the area where he disappeared.”

Full story: http://www.thephuketnews.com/police-yet-to-rule-death-of-chalong-drug-suspect-as-accidental-55569.php

-- Phuket News 2015-12-26

there is only one verdict the police can arrive at death by drowning he tried to do a runner by jumping into the sea and failed .

I'd have thought 'death by natural causes' was more appropriate.

After all, if you are going to go legging it along Chalong pier with 5,000 Ya Ba pills on a dark and stormy night it's natural you'll end up all Luca Brasi.