7 deny stabbing man to death

Seven young suspects accused of killing a disabled bread deliveryman in May denied all charges Thursday, insisting they were ready to defend themselves in court.

The denial came after the Criminal Court read out the indictments to Akkaradet Thatsana, 22; Phiraphon Yotphonganan, 21; Arin Yotphonganan, 19; Mek Phonkraison, 19; Monmanat Saengpho, 21; and two 18-year-old male and female suspects who have not been named.

They are charged with killing Somkiat Sichan, 35, who was stabbed to death at a bakery in the Lat Phrao area in Bangkok on May 1. They are also charged with illegal possession of weapons and attacking the "Pang Horm" bakery where he worked.

The first examination of evidence and witnesses was set for Sept 19.

The six men were brought to the court Thursday from the Bangkok Remand Prison while the female teenager was taken from the Central Women's Correctional Institute in Bang Khen.

Mr Phiraphon, Mr Arin, Mr Mek and Mr Monmanat, are reported to be police officers' sons. A witness told police he heard the female suspect encourage the men to attack Somkiat.

Earlier, Anantachai Chaidet, lawyer for the victim's family, asked prosecutors to add a charge of premeditated murder and vowed to present evidence proving the suspects brutally attacked the disabled man as most of them were armed with knives and went to the shop with the intent to kill.

Somkiat's mother has asked to be a joint plaintiff. The court said it will ask prosecutors whether they oppose the move or not.