University lecturer wanted for murder of 2 colleagues

University lecturer wanted for murder of 2 colleagues

Rescue workers take the bodies of two slain Phranakhon Rajabhat University lecturers to a hospital after they were murdered inside the campus on Wednesday morning. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)
Rescue workers take the bodies of two slain Phranakhon Rajabhat University lecturers to a hospital after they were murdered inside the campus on Wednesday morning. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)

A university lecturer is being sought over the murder of two other lecturers shot dead while testing a thesis student at Phranakhon Rajabhat University in Bang Khen district, Bangkok, on Wednesday morning.

The double-murder occured around mid-morning on the fifth floor of the Buddhist Philosophy learning and cultural centre.

Police said the two men, Pichai Chaisongkram, 56, and Natthapol Chumworathayee, 54, were shot in the head with a 9mm pistol. Both men held PhD degrees.

It is alleged that a third PhD lecturer employed at the university, Wanchai Danaitamonut, 60, stormed into the room and killed them.

Investigators will apply for a court warrant for the arrest of Mr Wanchai, who is the prime suspect, Pol Lt Gen Sanit Mahathavorn, acting chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said on Wednesday afternoon.

The shooting occurred when a student was defending a thesis inside the room, with Pichai serving as chairman of the testing committee and Natthapol the student’s adviser. There was also another student waiting to defend a thesis inside the room, said Pol Lt Gen Sanit.

While the test was in progress, Mr Wanchai entered the room and then allegedly opened fire at the two lecturers with a 9mm pistol.

Nine spent 9mm cartridges and five spent bullets were found at the crime scene, Thai media reported.

A source said the shooting was believed motivated by a personal conflict and had nothing to do with the university. It was believed to have been pre-planned, as the suspect had reportedly asked for information about the schedule of the thesis test.

Pol Lt Gen Sanit said he had ordered police handling the case to speed up the investigation because the incident happened inside an education facility and would worry the public.

He confirmed the shooting is believed to have stemmed from a personal conflict, but said it was between Pichai and Mr Wanchai. Natthapol was not involved in the dispute, Pol Lt Gen Sanit said.

Police have asked Mr Wanchai's relatives to persuade him to surrender.

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