Sitthiporn Sakuljitthaworn, or Apiwaro Klinlokai, who is 79th on the list of suspected gunmen for hire in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, has been arrested, according to deputy police chief Ake Angsananont.
Pol Gen Ake said Mr Sitthiporn was arrested yesterday at a car care garage in Muang district of Chachoengsao province under a warrant issued by the Pak Phanong Court on May 16 on charges of pre-meditated murder, arson and illegal possession of firearms.
According to the warrant, Mr Sitthiporn, 48, lured Monthon Saeng-arunrangsi, 32, to a meeting at Khum Rak Resort on Bang Phun-Khok Khram road in tambon Bang Phun in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Chalerm Phra Kiat district to settle a drugs problem. Mr Sitthiporn allegedly shot Monthon dead with a 9mm gun, dumped his body in the bush nearby and set his car on fire about 5km from the resort.
Mr Sitthiporn allegedly carried out the murder for Surawut Bussaba, 45, the owner of Khum Rak Resort, police found in their investigation.
Police had evidence against Mr Sitthiporn and Mr Surawut and obtained court approval for their arrest.
Mr Surawut is still at large.
Mr Sitthiporn was arrested on drug charges in 1998 and sentenced to 14 years and four months in jail. He was arrested again on drug charges early this year in Chumphon.
He fled while on bail and changed his name to Apiwaro Klinlokai.