Cops look at drug link to fatal ambush

CHIANG RAI: A kamnan who survived an assassination attempt could be involved with a narcotics ring, deputy national police chief Chalermkiat Srivorakan said yesterday.

Police suspect Thaweesak Yotmaneebanphot, kamnan of tambon Po in Wiang Kaen district, may have acquired his wealth from drugs.

Pol Gen Chalermkiat did not give any more details, saying investigators were questioning Mr Thaweesak, who also served as the Hmong Club chief in Thailand, and witnesses.

Mr Thaweesak, his wife and two children were ambushed on a road linking Ban Rom Fah Thong and Ban Rom Pho Ngeon in Moo 18 on Tuesday night.

Gunmen opened fire on their vehicle, killing his wife Maiyeer, and his five-yearold daughter.

He and his three-year-old son were seriously injured.

Mr Thaweesak sustained wounds to his arms and eyes.

Both were initially admitted to Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital and put under police guard.

Pol Gen Chalermkiat said more than two suspects who were familiar with the local scene were likely involved in the shooting.

“We have yet to rule out any motives including drugs. Mr Thaweesak also serves as chairman of the Hmong Club. Therefore, investigators have to figure out who would benefit from his death,” he said.

Pol Gen Chalermkiat said he would travel north to examine the crime scene and talk to Mr Thaweesak and witnesses himself.

He also told investigators handling the case that he wants a thorough probe.

Pol Gen Suchart Theerasawas, head of the Office of the Inspector-General, would look into the case as well, he added.

Chiang Rai Provincial Police chief Wirat Sumanaphan said yesterday that Mr Thaweesak was stable but he had been transferred to a hospital in Chiang Mai for treatment on his eye injuries.

His son remained in Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital under guard.

Mr Thaweesak told police he was concerned about his son’s safety and was afraid his family would be targeted again.

Pol Col Wirat said the motive behind the attack might be linked to the fact that Mr Thaweesak was a government official.

His work could have stirred resentment among some people, he said.

Meanwhile, his family yesterday collected his daughter’s body for funeral rites.