Coss Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 From The Nation Police say attack might be political, though insurgents' role not ruled out A Democrat Party canvasser in Yala was shot to death yesterday and his wife injured in a gunfire attack, though police have yet to say if it was politically motivated or carried out randomly by insurgents. Sophon Songkaew, also a kamnan in the predominantly Muslim Muang district, was shot in the head and torso by a lone gunman, who then took two shots at Sophon's wife Wimol before making off with the victim's gun. Police said that since the victim played a key part in campaigns ahead of the July 3 elections, it was likely the murder stemmed from politics, though they did not rule out insurgents, who have been targeting officials over the past few weeks. Meanwhile, the Election Commission is looking into an incident during which red shirts harassed Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva at a recent campaign in Samut Prakan, and are trying to determine if it was in violation of electoral regulations. Samut Prakan governor Cherdsak Choosri said the province was a stronghold of red shirts and that they had the right to express themselves, though they should do it "in a democratic manner". He said he was confident he would not be transferred because of the incident. In Bangkok's Don Muang district, Democrat Party candidate Thaenkhun Jit-issara lodged a complaint with the local EC office and supplied video evidence of three men burning down his election signboard. In Sukhothai, a Bhum Jai Thai candidate intercepted a pickup truck that was trailing his motorcade and managed to capture one of the occupants, who was identified as Chanakarn Khwanrungroj. Firearms and munitions were also found in the vehicle. After Bhum Jai Thai candidate Manoo Phukprasert filed a complaint saying he feared for his life, police went on the hunt for the two men who fled after the pickup truck was stopped. Police later apprehended one of the occupants, former Army sergeant Aphichart Sripan, who said he had been working as a driver for an unnamed candidate who was campaigning against Manoo. Neither person faces charges. In another case, investigators said they have found more evidence related to the shooting of Bhum Jai Thai candidate Suban Jiraphanwanich in Bangkok. Chana Songkhram police said an eyewitness had provided them with critical evidence. A company of officers has been stationed in Lop Buri to provide protection for candidates and support local investigators in solving Suban's murder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangkoktraveler Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 Never a boring day in Yala. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 Thank you Mr. Takky for stirring up a hornet's nest that had long been fairly quiet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangkoktraveler Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 You got to admit when Mr. T was around he had balls to haul some of the characters away as cord wood. Too bad some of them died. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 He knew how to deal with people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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