New Phra Supoj probe urged

The family of Phra Supoj Suvaco, a conservationist monk killed at a monastery in Chiang Mai 11 years ago, is calling on the Justice Ministry to reopen the case.

Phra Supoj, who fought to prevent land-grabbers from taking a community forest, was found stabbed to death at the Mettatham monastery in Ban Huay Ngu Nai in tambon Sansai of Fang district on June 17, 2005.

The monk’s younger brother, Sophon Duangprasert, and their parents, Mr Kittipat and Mrs Daoruang, yesterday submitted a petition to Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya asking the case to be reopened.

Mr Sophon said that after Phra Supoj’s death, a complaint was filed with local police in Fang, but police made no progress. The family then lodged a petition with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

The probe was suspended by former DSI chief Tarit Pengdith after no evidence emerged pointing to the killer’s identity.

The family later filed a petition with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) against the DSI’s decision but the NHRC insisted the DSI was authorised to suspend the probe.

Mr Sophon said that as the DSI was unable to bring the culprit to justice, the family decided to request the minister reopen the case.

He added the Mettatham monastery was originally located in a 1,500-rai community forest but has been reduced to 600 rai by farms.

Pornthep Harikampha, a l awyer attached to the Office of the Justice Minister, received the petition and said it would be sent to Gen Paiboon.

DSI director-general Paisit Wongmuang said yesterday he would assign the agency’s Special Case Management Centre to look into the petition.