Investigators have crossed off illicit drugs from a list of possible motives behind the murder of former national sports shooter Jakkrit Panichpatikum, Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Kamronwit Thoopkrachang said on Wednesday.
Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit was speaking to reporters after being briefed by investigators on progress in the case.
He said the investigation had concluded the 40-year-old former athlete was only a drug user, not a seller, and he had no conflict with the people he bought the drug from.
Investigators will now look into possible conflict in the amulet trade, within the Thai shooting association, and in Jakkrit’s family for possible motives.
A separate investigation is underway to arrest people and their network involved in selling illegal drugs to Jakkrit, the MPB chief added.
Jakkrit was attacked by two men on a motorcycle and shot dead while driving his black Porsche near Ramkhamhaeng Soi 166 in Min Buri district on Saturday night.
The pillion passenger shot Jakkrit three times through the driver's window. He was severely wounded and later pronounced dead at Seriruk Hospital in Min Buri.