MISSING MAN DIED OF DRUGS

>> Police yesterday confirmed that the death of a missing salesman was caused by a drug overdose, not foul play.

Speaking during a press briefing on the case, police said Rattaphum Pimjaisai, 34, died from kidney and liver failure due to a drug overdose, according to a forensic expert at Siriraj Hospital.

An earlier blood test also found traces of methamphetamine in Rattaphum’s system.

Rattaphum’s relatives including Pairoj Pimjaisai, his elder brother, told police on the phone that they had no doubt about the cause of death.

The press briefing was attended by Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) deputy commander Sompong Chingduang; Pol Maj Gen Theerapong Wongratpitak, commander of the MPB’s Division 7; chiefs of Taling Chan, Bangkok Noi and Thammasala police stations as well as civil defence volunteers of Thawi Watthana district.

According to police, Rattaphum was last heard from on Dec 20. He lost contact after he phoned his manager to ask for help and shared his location on Boromratchonnanee Soi 78 in Thawi Watthana district via a smartphone.

On Dec 23, a woman believed to be Rattaphum’s friend lodged a theft complaint against him with police. His wife later filed a missing person complaint with Thammasala police on Jan 8.

Pol Maj Gen Theerapong yesterday said Rattaphum was seen leaving the woman’s house in Boromratchonnanee Soi 78 on Dec 20, according to witnesses and CCTV footage at the scene.

Witnesses also told police Rattaphum left the house after they threatened to call the police as he and the woman had an argument.

Taling Chan police said on the same day the man was seen running back and forth across Boromratchonnanee Road, acting as if he were mentally ill.

After being handcuffed by police with help from civil defence volunteers and brought to the police station, Rattaphum had a convulsion. He was taken to Siriraj Hospital. He had no ID card on him.

The volunteers said he scratched his face on the road after he was put down. His wrist injuries were caused by the handcuffs.

Meanwhile, Pol Maj Gen Sompong said Rattaphum was arrested on drug-related charges in Suphan Buri in 2004. His friends also told police he used illicit drugs in the past.

Earlier, La-iad Pimjaisai asked police to investigate thoroughly as he wondered if his son was forced by someone to take the drug.