LOPBURI — After weeks of an intense manhunt and mounting pressure from the public, Thai police said on Wednesday morning they arrested a man who killed three people during a gold store heist, including a 2-year-old toddler.
Police said Prasittichai Khaokaew, 38, confessed during an interrogation that he was the same man who shot seven people while he robbed a store in Lopburi province on Jan. 9, killing three of the victims.
Investigators gave little details to the media, but the state-owned Wat Pho Chai School listed him as its director on their website. Police commanders have yet to make a formal news conference at this time.
Police are reported to have arrived at the school and are interviewing teachers and other school personnel. Co workers are said to be “shocked” and that the suspect reported for work as normal after the shooting. Parents interviewed by several Thai media sources stated that the suspect was always friendly and greeting students daily and they were in disbelief that he could be the suspect.
A formal news conference is expected later in the day, this is a developing story and may be updated throughout the day.
