(24
January) The police have dismissed reports that an anti-government protester
who vandalised the police headquarters sign had been killed in Ratchaburi
province.
In fact,
according to police statement, the assassinated man was as Mr. Suppakarn
Yoobanyong, 56, who was described by local residents as an influential
"gangster".
Mr.
Suppakarn, who went by his nickname ′Maew Baanrai′, was found dead on his
vehicle at around 13.00 today near his son′s residence in Mueang district.
Police said he was shot by a shotgun on his neck and right shoulder. Two
shotgun shells were also found in the crime scene.
Witnesses
said Mr. Suppakarn was driving home from his son′s residence when unidentified
gunmen on a white car approached the victim′s vehicle and opened fire with a
shotgun. The suspects quickly fled the scene.
Police
have suspected many motives behind the murder, as Mr. Suppakarn had reportedly
been involved in many disputes in the province.
Mr.
Suppakarn was later identified in the rumour widely circulated on the social
network as a protester who helped destroy the signage in front of the Royal
Thai Police headquarters earlier this week.
Police
spokesman office has released statement denying the rumour, stating that Mr.
Suppakarn′s son had confirmed that his father was not present at the protest at
the Royal Thai Police.
(khaosod.co.th)