Prachin Buri PAO Chief Accused of Murdering Son in Power Struggle
A complex web of political intrigue and familial discord lies at the heart of a murder investigation in Prachin Buri, Thailand. Prosecutors have received a comprehensive 7,969-page report recommending the indictment of Soonthorn Vilawan, the 86-year-old president of the Prachin Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), and seven others for the death of his adopted son. The report, meticulously compiled by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police, details the events surrounding the fatal shooting of Chaimet Sitsanitphong, a 49-year-old provincial councillor, on December 11, 2024.
The incident unfolded at Mr. Soonthorn’s residence in Muang district. Mr. Chaimet’s body was found near the first-floor stairs, surrounded by at least ten spent cartridges. Pol Col Anek Taosuparb, deputy commander of the CSD, stated that the investigation, including testimony from 130 individuals, points to a premeditated act driven by a power struggle within the family’s political dynasty.
Besides Mr. Soonthorn, six other men are accused of colluding in the premeditated murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, destruction of evidence, and illegal assembly. These are Thanasarankorn Techathanatchot, Saksit Chinnawong, Thanaphat Songsaeng, Apisit Sodchuen, Sitthichai Sripakdi, and Phattharanon Boonchu. Mr. Thanasarankorn and Mr. Saksit are alleged to be the gunmen. Minyarat Phatcharamanrakun, Mr. Thanasarankorn’s wife, faces charges of supporting the premeditated murder by allegedly relaying Mr. Chaimet’s movements to the waiting gunmen on the second floor.
While all suspects initially confessed, they later recanted, claiming the killing was not premeditated. Pol Col Anek, however, expressed confidence in the evidence gathered, including forensic analysis, witness accounts, and circumstantial evidence.
Investigators believe the motive stems from a bitter political dispute. Mr. Soonthorn, a veteran politician and former deputy public health minister in the Chavalit Yongchaiyudh government, whose family has held considerable influence in Prachin Buri politics for decades, was reportedly preparing to relinquish his PAO leadership due to his age. Conflict arose when Mr. Chaimet proposed his wife, Napapat Anchasanichamon, as a candidate for the PAO presidency—a move that allegedly conflicted with Mr. Soonthorn’s preferred successor. The ensuing argument tragically resulted in Mr. Chaimet’s death.
Adding to the tragedy, Ms. Napapat, initially hesitant to enter politics, ultimately ran for the PAO presidency after her husband’s death. Running under the Pheu Thai Party banner, she won the February 3rd election, perhaps reflecting public sympathy and a desire for change. This victory adds complexity to the situation, raising questions about Prachin Buri’s political future.
Mr. Soonthorn’s influential but controversial career includes eight terms as a member of parliament and a previous investigation into alleged forest encroachment within Khao Yai National Park. His daughter, Kanokwan Vilawan, a former deputy education minister, further connects him to national politics. The ongoing legal proceedings will undoubtedly captivate the nation as the intricacies of this political drama unfold, serving as a stark reminder of how political ambition and family conflicts can escalate to devastating consequences.
