CSD raid nets accused killer

The tambon administration organisation (TAO) chairman’s aide who was accused of killing a member of the TAO was arrested in a major raid conducted by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) in Nakhon Si Thammarat yesterday.

The suspect was identified as Ong Ruangrit, 59.

He was a close aide to Chaiwut Kaewyangdee, chairman of the Taling Chan TAO in Tha Sala district.

Mr Ong, who was nabbed in tambon Taling Chan yesterday, was among seven suspects apprehended in the raids on 10 locations in the province.

Pol Col Phumin Pumpanmuang, chief of the CSD’s Division 5, said the operation was launched in response to Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Pol Lt Gen Thitiraj Nongharnpitak’s order to crack down on local hitmen and influential figures.

Authorities confiscated a shotgun, five 9mm pistols, a .357mm revolver and a large haul of ammunition.

Pol Col Phumin said Mr Ong was wanted under a warrant issued by the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Court on Oct 30, for allegedly colluding with Kittiphong Promma in killing Pradit Phankhong, 44, a member of the Taling Chan TAO, with a shotgun on Sept 25.

Pol Col Phumin said Mr Ong and Mr Kittiphong were arrested, but later released on bail.

However, Pradit’s family, who claimed they received death threats from both suspects, later petitioned the CSD, urging authorities to look into the case as they feared for their safety.