SONGKHLA: The prime suspect in the murder of one brother and wounding of another in Chumphon province four months ago was arrested at an oil palm plantation in Ranot district in this southern province on Wednesday.
About 7am, police raided an oil palm plantation at Moo 5 village in tambon Tha Bon and arrested Somsak Panbo, alias Lone, 37, who was wanted under a warrant issued by Lang Suan Court in Chumphon.
Mr Somsak was found in a workers' hut. He surrendered without any resistance.
According to police, on March 2 Mr Somsak, accompanied by his wife, travelled by pickup to a house at Moo 5 village in tambon Phra Rak, Phato district of Chumphon. There, he called for the three brothers in the house to come out and talk to him.
When the three came out, he allegedly opened fire at Sitthichart, Sitthichoke and Surachet Sukjoo with a handgun. Sittichart was killed and Mr Sitthichoke wounded. Only Mr Surachet was unhurt.
Mr Somsak then walked back to his pickup and drove off. The shooting was believed to have arisen from personal conflict.
Police investigators learned Mr Somsak had fled from Chumphon and was believed hiding in an oil palm plantation in Ranot district. This led to Wednesday's arrest.
Mr Somsak is charged with murder, attempted murder and illegal possession of a weapon. He was being held in police custody.
