Bangkok police have reportedly fingered the prime suspect in the murder case of Democrat party canvasser Chutidej Suwannakerd as a local political rival.
Chutidej was killed in front of his family by motorcycle gunmen on Dec. 10.
A police source said that Chutidej had a dispute with the suspect over helping flood victims and that the men were also fighting over control of a local motor taxi service, the Bangkok Post reported.
“The suspected mastermind of the murder was a rival local politician who is a close aide of a politician in the national political circle,” the source said. “However, the motive for the killing was not political conflict, but simmering personal conflicts.”
The source said that investigators have found some conclusive evidence indicating the suspect. Some crucial evidence was still needed, the source said, but police should be able to serve a warrant by next week.
Chutidej was formerly an aide for Don Mueang Pheu Thai MP Karun Hosakul, before switching allegiances to the Democrat Party. Karun has disavowed any knowledge or involvement with the killing.
Chutidej’s wife held a tearful press conference on Dec. 13, where she said politics were behind his murder and that she didn’t trust the police investigation. Officers from Don Mueang station are reportedly guarding her and her family as the investigation continues.
