BANGKOK — The murder investigation of prominent Prachinburi Provincial Council member Chaimest “Sor Jor Tong” Sittisanitpong, 48, has been escalated to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) in Bangkok. National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panpetch authorized the transfer on December 18, one week after the incident.
The case has sent shockwaves through local politics after Sor Jor Tong was fatally shot at the residence of Prachinburi Provincial Administration Organization (PAO) president Sunthorn “Ko Thon” Wilawan. The victim sustained 22 gunshot wounds – multiple shotgun blasts to the body and two 9mm bullets to the head – on December 11.
Police have arrested seven suspects, including the 85-year-old PAO president Sunthorn, whose house was the scene of the crime. While eyewitnesses and two gunmen testified that Sunthorn had retired to bed before his subordinates opened fire on Sor Jor Tong, all suspects face charges of intentional homicide and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. All have been denied bail.
The investigation has sparked a broader crackdown on local power structures. From December 14 to 16, joint operations by the Crime Suppression Division, Provincial Police Region 2, and Prachinburi Provincial Police conducted raids at 57 locations, seizing over 70 firearms.
“This demonstrates our serious commitment to targeting and deterring influential figures in the region,” said Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat. “Prachinburi will serve as a model for other provinces.”
The murder appears rooted in local political tensions. Sor Jor Tong, once considered Sunthorn’s right-hand man and adopted son, had begun challenging the established power structure. A leaked audio recording revealed that Sor Jor Tong had quarreled with Sunthorn over his wife Napaphat “Sor Jor Joy” Anyasasanichmon’s candidacy for PAO president. The dispute escalated when Sunthorn refused to support her nomination.
Captain Thamanat Prompao (third from right) seated next to Napaphat ‘Sor Jor Joy’ Anyasasanichmon, widow of Sor Jor Tong, during the funeral ceremony at Wat Makok Si Maram, Prachinburi province, December 17, 2024.
On the day of his death, Sor Jor Tong visited Sunthorn’s residence to resolve the conflict. Instead, he was gunned down from the second floor. Two of the arrested gunmen claimed personal vendettas against the victim.
The case has now drawn national political attention. While Sor Jor Joy initially declared she would not pursue the PAO presidency following her husband’s death, she reversed her decision after meeting with Captain Thamanat Prompao, a member of parliament from Phayao province with close ties to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
“I will run for Pheu Thai Party president of PAO Prachinburi to realize Sor Jor Tong’s dream,” Sor Jor Joy announced at her husband’s funeral, which Thamanat attended. “Despite my fears, I believe in the law and that justice will prevail. This is about fulfilling my husband’s wishes.”
Thamanat revealed that he had introduced Sor Jor Joy to Thaksin Shinawatra as a potential PAO candidate days before her husband’s death. The decision regarding her political affiliation – whether as an independent or under the Pheu Thai Party banner – remains pending.
Pheu Thai Party Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong stated that the party awaits official candidate announcements. Any potential candidate seeking to run under the Pheu Thai Party must submit a formal application for review by the executive committee.
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Prachinburi Political Dynasty Rocked by Fatal Shooting at Family Estate
