“How do you catch a hitman?” seems to be the question that Thai police aren’t able to crack. With ever-rising killings from hitmen the police are attempting to get creative. But the creativity only extends to “most wanted” lists and “ criminal suspect calendars” featuring photos of killers.
These methods have proven to be unsuccessful as killings remain at high levels. And with basement bottom prices starting around 50,000 baht for a killing police intervention is critical.
The Crime Suppression Division has developed a more intelligent means of targeting criminals by systematically categorizing hitmen and gathering as much personal data as possible. Dividing suspects into categories will help investigators tackle their targets more effectively. It will also display interconnections between hitmen clearly.
According to Commander Pol Col Akkaradet Phimonsri, the CSD has separated hitmen into 4 levels based on killing experience, life patterns and bio-information.
Level 1 includes professional gunmen or previously convicted hitmen who have been released from jail.
Level 2 hitmen are considered amateurs, yet they are the most dangerous because they are hungry to add “successes” to their profile and be upgraded as professional grade gunmen.
Level 3 suspects are primarily influential figures or mafia members. Most members of this group have not been convicted or subject of arrest warrants.
Level 4 includes are not career hitmen but have subsequently murdered out of conflict. 30% of members in this category have contact with level 3 suspects. Commander Pol Col Akkaradet believes that level 4’s show killing potential will eventually be lured into becoming a professional.
Akkaradet said that providing police with background information and behavioral patterns of suspects is the key to arrests. The idea is that officers will have the necessary intelligence to track and block suspects from upgrading levels
The CSD will strongly focus on suspect associations such as parents, relatives and friends. Akkaradet stated that, “No one can live alone forever without contacting other. ”
CSD Deputy Superintendent Kittisak Tiengkamol said the cost of a killing varies dependant upon the incentive, a hit involving a love affair draws base prices but that an assassination for politics or business will require much higher fees. According to Kittisak, “most reasons for killing involve assets, sex, being insulted, or people just losing their temper.”
The CSD has compiled two “most wanted” lists – the 2011 list has 75 suspects and the 2013 list has 100 suspects.
For the 2011 list, police have arrested 22 of those named, and two have died. As for the 2013 list, four have been arrested and two have died, as reported by The Phuket News.
