Neighbour arrested for brutal murder of Swedish man in Cha Am

A Thai man has been charged with murdering his Swedish neighbour in Cha Am, police announced on Saturday.

Pratheep Sangsiri, 42 told police he shot Lars Donald Qvarfordt, 64, after the Swede had insulted his family.

During his arrest, Pratheep was found to be in possession of an 11mm pistol and he later also tested positive for methamphetamine. A search of his house found two more shotguns and ammunition.

Mr Qvarfordt was a well known and a well liked member of the expat community in Cha Am and ran the Kennel Scandinavia dog kennels and cattery.

Investigating officer Pol Lt Gen Charnthep Sesawet said Pratheep was arrested after forensic officers found tyre skid marks at the scene which matched those with a pickup owned by the suspect.

Pol Lt Gen Charnthep said that Pratheep told them he murdered Mr Qvarfordt because he was angry with repeated insults and slandering the Swede allegedly made against his family.

Pratheep said that on July 17 he drove to Mr Qvarfordt’s house next to Kennel Scandinavia where he saw the Swedish man outside.

Pratheep then shot Mr Qvarfordt in the arm and as he tried to escape, Pratheep followed him into the house where he shot him a second time in the head before fleeing.

Police, who had earlier in the week promised swift action in the case, had originally said they believed a business or personal conflict were motives for the murder of Mr Qvarfordt.

On Saturday, police revealed that Mr Qvarfordt’s ex wife, whom he had divorced in 2009 had started a similar dog boarding business nearby and ever since there had been conflict between the two and other neighbours.

Thai Visa / Thairath / Daily News

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