Hunt on for ex-cop in Korat murder case

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: A warrant has been sought for the arrest of a former policeman in connection with the killing of a 41-year-old businessman in Bua Yai district on Jan 10, local police said.

Pol Col Kharom Boonsod, chief of Bua Yai police station, said police have requested an arrest warrant against Pol Snr Sgt Maj Polsak Boonruang over the death of pub and restaurant owner Veerachai Lor-ariyathanachote in the province, also known as Korat.

Veerachai, locally known as Tycoon Kim, was gunned down on the night of Jan 10 when he was driving on a bypass road in a pickup truck, about 200 metres from his house. He was shot seven times while his 31-year-old girlfriend, who asked for anonymity, escaped unhurt.

Pol Col Kharom added that investigators had interviewed witnesses and found evidence to implicate Pol Snr Sgt Maj Polsak in the shooting and the pair had a history of conflicts, lawsuits and violent threats. Other motivations have been discarded.

Pol Snr Sgt Maj Polsak was dismissed from the police force following a dispute with Veerachai which ended up in court, he said, adding that attempts to negotiate failed and threats were made against the victim.

Footage from security cameras also linked the former policeman to the shooting, he added.

Police obtained the footage from security cameras installed at a petrol station in Bua Yai district, showing a white sedan and a black pickup truck passing.

It is believed that at least three people were involved in the attack and the gunman must have been a skilled marksman, said the superintendent.

He said nine shots were fired and seven hit Veerachai without injuring his girlfriend, who was also in the pickup truck. The businessman succumbed to injuries at a local hospital.

According to Pol Col Kharom, a police unit carried out an unsuccessful raid at a resort in the district on Jan 12 following a tip-off that the suspect was hiding there.

He said police have sought cooperation from other agencies and sent alerts out, fearing the suspect might try to escape to a neighbouring country.

However, he insisted that Pol Snr Sgt Maj Polsak is still in the country and a manhunt is under way. Police expect to make the arrest this week, he added.

“We’ve clues about the suspect’s whereabouts. He is still in hiding in the country,” he said.

“We’re working closely with the provincial police bureau to track him down.”