CHONBURI — A motorcycle mechanic who became a key witness in the investigation into the alleged five-body murder case involving suspect “Pong” said he nearly took his own life after facing intense pressure and public suspicion that he had helped the accused.
Speaking publicly for the first time on the night of 4 August 2026, the 43-year-old mechanic, known as “Neng”, said he was the person heard in an audio clip providing police with information about a motorcycle linked to two missing Russian siblings.
Neng said he saw another suspect, Thong, dismantling a motorcycle near an old cemetery in Huai Yai, Bang Lamung district, on 26 July 2026. When Russian residents later posted missing-person notices featuring the siblings and their motorcycle, he recognised the vehicle immediately and contacted Huai Yai police.
He insisted he had acted in good faith and had cooperated fully with investigators from the beginning.
Neng said Thong had worked for him making charcoal, while Pong had stayed at his property for nearly two months after being released from prison in June. He claimed Pong had appeared to behave normally and had helped with household chores, but later learned that Pong allegedly carried a handgun regularly and used the same weapon in the murders of the Russian siblings and a Thai family of three.
The mechanic said Pong and Thong had also stolen his red Honda Scoopy motorcycle, which was allegedly used during the crimes and later during their escape.
Neng said the emotional toll had been overwhelming. He described himself as having “raised a cobra” by giving Pong shelter and said he had been unable to eat or sleep because of the investigation and rumours circulating in the community.
“I almost put a gun to my temple and ended my life,” he said, adding that a phone call and the arrival of police officers at his house stopped him from pulling the trigger.
He denied any involvement in the killings and said he wanted to clear his name, stressing that he was the one who provided police with crucial information that helped advance the investigation.
Neng also defended Huai Yai police, saying officers had worked tirelessly and successfully solved the case. He said Pong deserved the harshest possible punishment for the alleged murders.
Authorities have not accused Neng of involvement in the killings, and the investigation remains ongoing.
