A Don Muang policeman’s son was arrested Tuesday for a fatal attack on a Rangsit University footballer last month.
Poonsak Saokaew, 21, was taken into custody by Pathum Thani province police on an arrest warrant for the May 30 shotgun blast that ultimately killed communication arts student and RSU FC striker Arhit Saisalang. He is the son of Pol Sub Lt Therdsak Saokaew, deputy inspector at the Don Muang station in Bangkok.
Arhit was pronounced dead at a hospital of wounds from the shotgun. His friend, Suwasin Pathummet, also a football player, was injured by knife wounds. They were attacked on their way back to a dormitory after leaving a pub at Muang Ek around 4am.
On June 6, Mr Poonsak's alleged accomplice, Veera Sripong, 22, was arrested at his Sai Mai district home and was taken for a crime re-enactment that day.
Since that arrest, pressure had been building on Mr Poonsak's policeman father to turn over his son, which occurred at a relative's house in Kamphaeng Phet province, said Pol Col Amnart Chancharoen, deputy chief of Pathum Thani police.
The young suspect remained adamant he would face the charges in court. Police charged him with premeditated murder and illegal possession and use of a firearm.
The arrest followed an account by Mr Veera, who told police a group of friends, including Mr Poonsak, had received dirty looks from a group of Arhit's friends in a restroom in the Muang Ake housing estate, where Rangsit University is located.
Mr Poonsak, Mr Veera and their friends attacked Arhit's group with a gun and a knife while travelling on motorcycles on Ake Thaksin Road in Muang Pathum Thani district after leaving the pub.
Mr Poonsak is the alleged shooter.
Police still are hunting for one other suspect, Rachane Nisap, 17, Pol Col Amnart said.