In a saga that reads like a gritty crime novel, the tranquil province of Prachin Buri has become the backdrop of a dramatic law enforcement operation, capturing the nation’s attention. The local hero, or rather, the anti-hero in this tale is the venerable 85-year-old Soonthorn Vilawan, president of the Prachin Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation. Allegations swirl around him like the mist over the lush Thai countryside, accusing him of orchestrating a vicious power play that resulted in his adopted son’s untimely demise.
The morning of the operation, over a hundred officers, drawn from the elite ranks of the Crime Suppression Division, Provincial Police Region 2, and Prachin Buri Provincial Police, swarmed over five locations in a strategic “mafia cleanup” effort, turning the sleepy province into a hive of police activity. This simultaneous swoop, armed with righteous search warrants from the Prachin Buri Provincial Court, homed in on terrain closely associated with Mr. Soonthorn’s network.
Among the hotspots was a sprawling plantation-like estate in the Sri Maha Phot district, reminiscent of scenes from movies with its worker camp and gigantic scrap sorting enterprise. This bastion belongs to Kukiat Saengchan, a local village head who, according to whispers in the alleys, paid a suspicious visit to Soonthorn’s estate post-shooting. While the police raked through the premises and unearthed two registered firearms, Kukiat himself was nowhere to be found, having supposedly vanished into the bustling haze of Bangkok a few days earlier.
In Ban Sang, officers scored another firearm and apprehended a suspect, advancing deeper into this murky labyrinth of political intrigue. The backdrop to this crackdown is nothing less than the tragic, brutal murder of Chaimet “Sor Jor Tong” Sitsanitphong on December 11—a killing reeking of political motivations and rivalries as tangled as you’d find in Shakespearean drama.
As for Mr. Soonthorn, he and six of his confidantes find themselves behind bars at Nakhon Nayok Prison. They are staring down the barrel of charges including premeditated murder and illegal firearm possession. Their attempt to secure bail was swiftly quashed by the Prachin Buri Provincial Court, no doubt due to the charges’ grave nature. Despite the grim confines, reports suggest Mr. Soonthorn and his entourage remain in stable spirits and health, an impressive feat considering the circumstances.
Curiously, no legal counsel has approached the stalwart defendant due to the public holiday—a small reprieve in this storm of legal woes. Regarding the elder statesman’s wellbeing, authorities are eyeing a transfer to the prison’s medical facility once his quarantine concludes, acknowledging the toll such stress might exert on an octogenarian.
While the dust begins to settle on this chapter, police have hinted at further operations targeting additional political figures enmeshed in crime. Expect a full revelation of this operation’s progress come December 16, promising yet another thrilling installment in this unfolding investigation that has made people sit up and take notice.
I can’t believe that an 85-year-old could be involved in such a massive crime operation. Must be a young man’s game!
Age doesn’t always dictate morality. Plenty of older folks have sharp minds and can play the power game.
Fair point, but you’d think someone that age would have better things to do than getting involved in crime!
Perhaps he felt untouchable because of his age. Makes you wonder how long he’s been getting away with things.
Crime knows no age limit. Plus, experience can be a dangerous asset in these situations.
The fact they couldn’t find Kukiat is super suspicious. Almost as if he was tipped off.
Totally! Corruption runs deep. Who knows how many are involved?
Exactly. The whole system might be rotting from the inside out.
This reminds me of past political dramas in other nations. Power and betrayal always make for a captivating story.
Funny how they mention the public holiday as a ‘reprieve.’ That’s more like a delay before the storm for Soonthorn.
Yeah, but every day counts when you’re that old. It’s a shame it’s come to this for him.
True, but it seems like he’s facing the consequences of his own actions.
Legal systems can be really sluggish. Let’s hope justice isn’t delayed further here.
I feel bad for Soonthorn if he’s innocent. Imagine spending your last years in prison!
If he’s guilty, he doesn’t deserve our sympathy. Too many innocent lives are ruined by such power plays.
Innocent until proven guilty, right? But the evidence seems damning.
How does someone keep that much dark stuff under wraps for so long without any leaks?
Fear, bribery, and possibly loyalty play big roles. Power dynamics are complicated.
Wonder what Soonthorn’s successor will do – clean up his mess or continue his legacy?
Hopefully, they’ll dismantle the whole corrupt system. Real change needs to happen.
The justice system is a joke. They’ll probably find a way to make him disappear quietly.
I think more people should be held accountable for their involvement, not just the big fish.
Economic desperation often forces people into political crime. Systemic change is required to address the root causes.
Soonthorn must have some solid allies; it’s surprising he’s been in power this long. He’s like a Thai Frank Underwood!
His allies might also be the ones who bring him down. It’s a cutthroat world.
The environmental damage from all these operations must be insane. No one talks about that aspect.
I hope this investigation sets precedence for handling future cases efficiently.
It’s like watching a live-action crime series unfold! Sad but fascinating.