The Thai police yesterday caught the Frenchman wanted for the murder of an elderly Italian man, whose burned body was found in the jungle of the rural Phichit province on Jan. 19. Meanwhile, his Thai girlfriend and alleged murder accomplice is still at large.
Amaury Rigaud, 34, was arrested in a jungle at the border of Kamphaeng Phet and Tak provinces, after locals tipped off the police.
Deep in the jungle, police found their getaway car, a Toyota Yaris that has been disguised and sprayed with black paint, their tent, and a camp kitchen, Daily News reported.
Rigaud and his Thai girlfriend, Rujira Iam-lamai, 38, are accused of murdering a 61-year-old Italian man named Giuseppe De Stefani, who was also Rujira’s primary romantic partner. He was found dead near Thap Chan pond in Phichit province, where the deceased and Rujira lived. The man’s body was burned with a car tire used as fuel.
After a thorough questioning, local media reported that Rigaud denied the charges and blamed the murder on Rujira and another of her ex-boyfriends, a Thai.
The Frenchman claimed that he only assisted Rujira in escaping. Nevertheless, he has been charged for murder and concealing the body. Police will object to bail.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchai Mannara, Commander of Phichit police, told reporters this morning that they believe Rujira has not gone far from the area where they caught Rigaud. “She doesn’t have money,” he said.
He added another Thai man is now suspected of taking part in the murder but refused to confirm to reporters if they meant Rujira’s Thai ex-boyfriend.
Police are awaiting a translator so that questioning of the Frenchman can begin.
They said they will inform the French Embassy of the arrest and expect to hold another press conference soon.
In the Channel 8 broadcast, the Frenchman did not make a statement the press conference, but only said “Kob khun krap,” or “Thank you,” after the session was over.
UPDATE: Thai girlfriend suspected of murdering Italian lover found hiding in tree
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