The man who police say confessed to murdering three people at a Lopburi gold shop spoke publicly Thursday to say he was motivated by “personal and financial problems,”
His voice broadcast from a telephone call to speak about his guilt, Prasittichai “Golf” Khaokaew apologized for his crimes, which ignited public passions in part because one of his victims was a 2-year-old boy.
“I regret what I did,” Prasittichai said. “I want to say sorry to families of the dead.”
Mob gathers as police bring in suspect in Lopburi gold shop murders
The 38-year-old director of the Wat Pho Chai School, a school in neighboring Singburi province, said he did not mean to kill the toddler.
He said he didn’t see the Panuwit “Triton” Wongyoo when he opened fire but said that he meant to kill his other two victims when he pulled the trigger and shot shop employee Thidarat Tongtip and security guard Theerachat Nimma.
Prasittichai said he was intending to turn himself in tomorrow, Friday, but “had a mission I had to do at the school first.” He did not elaborate.
Many were shocked to learn yesterday that a school principal was the primary suspect in the heinous crime, with more than a few people accusing the police of scapegoating him. Investigators insist they have ample evidence connecting him to the crime.
Prasittichai himself was not physically present at the press conference as police feared he would be lynched by the angry mob. He spoke via an audio call.
Lead investigator Suwat Changyodsuk said that Prasittichai said he acted alone, and no evidence has been found suggesting otherwise.
According to Suwat, most of the physical evidence, including the murder weapon and stolen gold, was found at the home of Prasittichai’s father.
His shoes and shoulder bag were burned behind his school. Ammunition was discovered inside his BMW. Police are still looking for a gun barrel and silencer.
Later on Thursday, police planned to lead Prasittichai through a customary “re-enactment” of his crime at the Robinson Lifestyle Lopburi shopping mall.
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