BANGKOK – Metropolitan Police shared a new update on the kidnapping and suspected murder of a 46-year-old company manager. Investigators say the case could involve as many as 10 people, and they are waiting on forensic results due tomorrow before moving forward with more charges and an arrest warrant for the alleged mastermind.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, met with the investigative team to review progress of tracking the coordinator who arranged the kidnapping team and reportedly fled toward a neighboring country, along with gathering more evidence and preparing warrants for those who ordered or funded the crime.
Police said the incident happened on February 18. The victim’s family filed a missing person report the next day at Sutthisan Police Station after losing contact with him. Investigators later confirmed there was evidence supporting that a kidnapping had taken place.
So far, police believe nine people are linked to the case. That group includes eight people accused of carrying out the abduction, plus one person believed to have ordered or hired them. Authorities have arrested seven suspects.
Police Awaiting Forensic Results
A court granted bail to two of them because they turned themselves in, while five remain held at Bangkok Remand Prison. Meanwhile, one key figure, described as the person who accepted the job and assembled the kidnapping team, is still on the run near the border. Police would not confirm whether the suspect had crossed out of Thailand, but they said someone helped the person escape.
Investigators also addressed the unidentified body connected to the case. Police said they still cannot confirm the remains belong to the missing manager. They are waiting for forensic identification results on March 5.
If the body is confirmed as the missing man, police plan to add charges against the seven suspects. The additional charge would include premeditated murder. Police also said they already have evidence pointing to the person believed to be behind the crime. Once forensic results confirm the victim’s identity, investigators say they can immediately ask the court to issue an arrest warrant for the alleged mastermind.
Police said they are working under two main motive theories. The first involves a romantic relationship dispute. The second involves a conflict over benefits or business interests between the victim and the person believed to have ordered the abduction.
Number of Suspects Rises to 10
Right now, investigators said they cannot state clearly whether the attackers intended to kill. They are waiting for the autopsy results. If medical findings show the victim died as early as February 19, police said that would help clarify intent.
The commissioner described the case as shocking and bold. Investigators believe the group planned ahead and prepared for the crime over time. Police said the suspects rented a house in Samut Prakan that they used during the incident. Officers found signs of blood at that location.
In addition, police believe the group watched the victim’s routine for more than a week. They allegedly moved in on February 18 when they saw an opportunity.
Police said the number of people involved may rise to 10. For now, they cannot confirm whether the 10th person is male or female. Authorities said they will take action against anyone the evidence links to the case.
Police also said they already know who the alleged mastermind is. The next step depends on forensic identification and the official autopsy findings from the Police General Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine on March 5. If the body is confirmed as the missing manager, police said they will seek an arrest warrant immediately.
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