Chonburi —
Chonburi police have arrested a 46-year-old Thai mother and her 30-year-old son for the murder of 52-year-old Mr. Watchara Nokngam, the woman’s husband and the man’s stepfather.
The suspects, identified as Mrs. Rattikal and her eldest son from a previous marriage, Mr. Worayut, allegedly strangled Mr. Watchara to death before disposing of his body, according to Chonburi police.
The alleged killing took place in the early hours of January 1st, when they lured the victim into their pickup truck in Ban Chang, Rayong. While Mrs. Rattikal drove, Mr. Worayut sat in the backseat and used a 50 cm blue rubber hose to strangle Mr. Watchara, killing him in less than a minute. They then transported the body to the Nikhom Phatthana district in Rayong before abandoning the body in the woods.
Forensic officers later examined the vehicle, a bronze Toyota Vigo, and found traces of evidence. Police used this evidence to pressure the suspects into confessing. The motive, according to the suspects, was twofold. Mr. Worayut claimed he acted out of sympathy for his mother, who was allegedly abused by Mr. Watchara. Additionally, they were angered by Mr. Watchara’s intention to sell their inherited land in Ratchaburi for 1.1 million baht.
At 2:00 PM on March 6th, police escorted the suspects to Huai Yai Police Station to reenact the crime. Both refused to answer media questions. However, the reenactment was quickly halted after Mr. Watchara’s relatives gathered at the scene and attempted to assault both suspects.
Later that afternoon, Mr. Watchara’s family held a small ceremony at the site where his body was found. Authorities are continuing their investigation to verify the full details of the case.
