KALASIN: The families of the young couple murdered in broad daylight at Buddha Mountain in Chon Buri are looking forward to seeing the accused mastermind punished, and say they will never forgive him.
The mothers of Anatachai Jaritram and Paweena Namuangrak expressed their feelings after learning that fugitive Phuket club owner Panya Yingdung, 39, had been arrested in Cambodia and would soon be handed over to Thai police.
Speaking at their respective homes in Tha Khanto district in Kalasin, they agreed they were happy the wanted man had been caught and was being brought to justice.
"I don't want to see him kneel down and ask forgiveness for what he has done," Jomsri Chompoopuen, the mother of 21-year-old Anantachai, said.
Wanphen Namuangrak, the mother of Paweena, 20, felt the same way. "I won't forgive what he has done to me," Mrs Wanphen said. "I am happy to see him arrested. I hope police will do their best in this case," she added.
Ananatachai and Paweena died in a hail of bullets fired by two gunmen in a parking lot on Khao Chee Chan, the famous Buddha Mountain, in Sattahip district of Chon Buri province on July 29. (continues below)
Wanphen Namuangrak shows a picture of her murdered daughter, Paweena, at home in Tha Khanto district in Kalasin province on Thursday. (Photo by Yongyuth Phuphuangpet)
Police have arrested five suspects in the case.
Their investigation pointed to Mr Panya, who runs a nightclub in Phuket, being the mastermind, and one of the shooters. The motive was jealous revenge because Paweena had previously worked in his club and was his favourite.
Better known as Sia Ouan in Phuket, Mr Panya was arrested on Wednesday in Prey Veng province of Cambodia. He was believed to be making his way to Vietnam. His pickup truck was found abandoned near the border in Sa Kaeo province after the double-murder.
Pol Maj Gen Piyaphun Pingmuang, police deputy spokesman, on Thursday confirmed the suspect had been captured, but would not say specifically when Cambodian authorities would hand him over.
Police were in contact with Cambodian authorities and arrangements were being made, he added.
Pol Gen Suchat Theerasawat, a police inspector, said Mr Panya was being brought by land from Prey Veng to the border in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo for the hand over, according to a report on Jor Sor 100 traffic radio station.