Fourth suspect held, navy officer faces action over Narathiwat MP attack

Police have arrested the fourth of five people wanted over the attempted killing of Prachachart Party Narathiwat MP Kamolsak Leewamoh in Narathiwat’s Bacho district last month.

Meanwhile, a navy captain who lent a government pickup truck allegedly used in the attack will face disciplinary and criminal action.

Narathiwat police chief Pol Maj Gen Prayong Kotesaka said the fourth suspect, identified as Thanapat, is currently being questioned on suspicion that he was one of the two gunmen, while another suspected gunman, the fifth suspect Wiroj, remains at large.

At a press briefing today, Prayong said the other suspects arrested are Somporn, Alawi and Sunthorn, the owner of a garage in Tak Bai district.

The motive for the attack remains under investigation, he said, adding that there is no confirmed evidence so far of financial backing or a coordinated funding effort behind the crime.

Police said Somporn is a former marine officer who was dismissed from service for serious disciplinary violations.

Speaking at the same briefing, Fourth Army Region commander Lt Gen Norathip Poinok, in his capacity as ISOC Region 4 director, said that a navy officer, Captain Montri, who authorised the use of a government vehicle later linked to the attack, will face both disciplinary and criminal proceedings.

An internal probe found that Montri, who was responsible for vehicle oversight, allowed Captain Wiroj to borrow a government pickup truck for personal use on three occasions without proper authorisation or documentation, in violation of regulations.

The vehicle was later used in the attack.

The officer’s actions constituted serious disciplinary misconduct and could also amount to criminal offences, including abuse of authority and dereliction of duty.

Norathip said legal action will be pursued, while reaffirming that the incident was an individual act and not related to official policy or operations.