Phuket road rage shooter ‘has been identified’

Police say they now know the identity of the gunman who shot dead motorbike taxi driver Chaliao Piyapakul yesterday morning (October 30) in what appears to have been a case of road rage.

A warrant for the arrest of Suwat Saejong, 60, a resident of Kathu, was due to be issued today.

Officers visited a number of motorcycle shops around the island looking for information on the number plate of the bike, and found one shop where staff knew Suwat.

They also found that Suwat was the owner of two 9mm pistols – Mr Chaliao was killed by a 9mm bullet to the head.

They then visited a shooting range near Suwat’s house where they thought he might have practiced shooting, and encountered a friend, Saeree Saeliu.

After seeing the CCTV footage and photos of the shooting, and after examining some of the bullet casings left at the scene, Mr Saeree positively identified Suwat as the shooter.

Police expect to catch up with him soon.

Phuket News

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