Two brothers who supplied methyl alcohol to a moonshine maker in Min Buri have been apprehended in Ayutthaya, marking a significant development in a case tied to the tragic poisoning deaths of six people. This marks the brothers’ second arrest within a tumultuous week.
Surasak and Surachai Insaam, aged 46 and 44 respectively, were taken into custody in tambon Bo Ta Lo, Wang Noi district, on Thursday night. According to Pol Maj Gen Kiatikul Sonthinen, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 3, it took a formidable team of 50 officers half a day to track down the elusive siblings within a dense forest.
The initial capture occurred at a residence in the Saphan Sung district of Bangkok on Monday after an investigation revealed that a 49-year-old moonshine maker, infamously known as “Je Poo,” had sourced her supplies from them. She had been producing herbal liquor and selling it to operators of 18 different stalls scattered across six districts in the bustling capital. The aftermath of this tainted moonshine was grim—six fatalities and 43 individuals falling gravely ill.
The brothers initially faced unauthorized liquor sales charges and were detained at Min Buri Criminal Court earlier in the week but were granted bail on Tuesday. However, the court issued a second arrest warrant just a day later on charges of attempted murder and food adulteration endangering public health, which led to their swift recapture on Friday.
Despite the mounting accusations, both Surasak and Surachai staunchly denied any wrongdoing. They claimed the concoction was created by diluting ethanol, containing a potent 95% alcohol by volume, down to a safer 35%. They argued that the end product was ostensibly safe for consumption.
Je Poo, who found herself ensnared in this harrowing situation, revealed that the brothers—her husband’s cousins—had contracted her around a year ago to peddle their moonshine. She had been purchasing the alcohol for 900 baht per 25 liters. However, customer complaints started flooding in this month, and even she experienced severe symptoms, including a gut-wrenching bout of diarrhea lasting three days, after testing her own products.
This crisis, which unfolded in the eastern suburbs of the capital from August 22-30, has left a somber mark. Alongside the six confirmed deaths, 43 others have had their lives dramatically impacted, their health deteriorating after consuming the lethal moonshine, as reported by the caretaker Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin.
In a gesture aimed at alleviating the suffering of the victims’ families, Pawin Norkaew, an officer with the Ministry of Justice’s Rights and Liberties Protection Department, stated that the government would provide financial compensation up to 100,000 baht. This includes 20,000 baht for funeral expenses, 40,000 baht to support the parents of the deceased, and another 40,000 baht for various other damages.
For those who fell indisposed yet survived, the ministry has committed to covering hospital expenses up to 40,000 baht per person. They will also extend support for physical and mental rehabilitation up to 20,000 baht, alongside offering a compensation of up to 14,000 baht for loss of income incurred during their illness.
How can people still be so careless with substances like methyl alcohol? It’s maddening!
The lure of quick money often outweighs common sense for these people.
It’s not just about quick money, but also pervasive ignorance about the dangers of methyl alcohol.
True, but ignorance is hardly a valid excuse here considering the stakes. We’re talking about lives!
C’mon, we all know moonshine ain’t regulated. People will take risks for high profits.
Interesting, they tried to defend themselves by saying it was ethanol! Things getting murkier.
Yeah, but even ethanol is dangerous at such high concentrations!
Deflecting blame won’t work when six lives are lost. They have to take responsibility.
The government’s compensation seems insufficient for such a tragedy. Is money really a solution?
It’s not about the money, but showing they care. Some support better than none, right?
But bluecollar77, that support feels like an insult considering the pain of the families.
True, and can anything really compensate for the loss of a loved one? I doubt it.
Why was bail even an option initially? This is attempted murder!
Judicial system flaws, Marie. Bail is a constitutional right but needs better application.
Given the seriousness, there should have been stricter preconditions. Totally agree.
Are we ignoring the accountability of ‘Je Poo’? She’s as guilty in my books.
Totally agree, Kenny. She knew what was going on and sold it anyway.
Absolutely, but she’s also a victim in some ways. It’s complicated.
Complicated, but she still played a part in the deaths and illnesses. No free pass.
Surprised they managed to hide in a dense forest. 50 officers for this?
Yeah, sounds like overkill! Did they think the brothers are armed and dangerous?
Better safe than sorry. You never know the full extent of criminal operations.
This incident highlights the need for stricter regulations on alcohol production.
Poor enforcement of health standards leads to such disasters. Something should change.
Why would anyone trust homemade booze anyway? It’s always a gamble.
Economics, CleverCat. Moonshine is cheaper, and some people can’t afford the real stuff.
But even then, the risk should outweigh the cost savings. People need better education!
43 people impacted is massive. How can the industry be this reckless?
Lack of proper oversight and greed often lead to such unfortunate consequences.
People need to stop buying such dangerous stuff. It’s their own fault.
Harsh! People often don’t know what they’re getting into.
Exactly, and that’s why there should be better controls over alcohol sales.