Arrest Warrants Issued for the Ambush Shooting of Hmong Headman in Chiang Rai’s Wiang Kaen District

 

CHIANG RAI – Pol Lt Gen Poonsap Prasertsak, commander of the Provincial Police Region 5, has told a press conference in Chiang Rai that arrest warrants have been issued for four suspects over the last month’s ambush shooting of a Hmong leader and his family.

Thaweesak Yodmaneebanphot, a kamnan of tambon Por in Wiang Kaen district of Chiang Rai, his wife and two young children were attacked by gunmen as they were returning home from their farm on the evening of April 24th, his wife and 5-year-old daughter were killed.

Pol Lt Gen Poonsap Prasertsak said Mr Thaweeksak was targeted in revenge for providing information to police that led to the seizure of 9 million methamphetamine pills.

Arrest warrants have already been approved for four suspects in the attack. One of them was Chumphon Yodmaneebanphot, who had links with the drug trade, Pol Lt Gen Poonsap said.

The attack was well-planned. Evidence was still being gathered and those believed involved were being tracked down, Pol Lt Gen Poonsap said.

Mr Thaweesak had been discharged from hospital and was staying in a safe place, he added.

By Chinapat Chaiyamol