SONGKHLA - Police have arrested chairman of the Songkhla Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) allegedly in connection with the murder of Songkhla Municipality mayor Peera Tantiserane last year.

Pol Maj Gen Chinnathat Meesuk, deputy commander of the Provincial Police Region 9, and a dozen police officers raided a house on Na San Road in Muang district in Songkhla province on Tuesday with an arrest warrant and arrested Uthit Chuchuay on charges of hiring hit men to kill Peera in November.

He was taken to the Muang district police station for questioning and Mr Uthit denied the charge, he added.

The PAO chief is the fifth suspect arrested in the murder case. The others are Niwat Rattanakaew, Paisal Nuphan, Chuan Muadmee and Kitti Chuchuay.

Police accused Mr Niwat, Mr Paisal and Mr Chuan of being in an assassination team, while Mr Kitti was charged with masterminding the Nov 7 drive-by shooting of Peera in the provincial town.

The four surrendered to officers at the Muang district police station shortly after police issued arreast warrants. Mr Kitti, who is Mr Uthit's younger brother, has been released on bail and the three others are being detained at Songkhla Central Prison.

Uthit Chuchuay, right, smiles for the camera in an event held to mark Teacher's Day in Songkhla’s Muang district on Jan 16. (Photo by Vichayant Boonchote)