Nongprue, April 14, 2025 – Authorities have apprehended a gang of armed suspects linked to the murder of a cattle rancher in Nongprue, Chonburi, stemming from a dispute over missing cows, we originally reported yesterday here.
The victim, 53-year-old Sompong Boonmee, known locally as “Nid,” was gunned down with a shotgun at close range inside his cattle pen in Ban Namphong. The fatal shot pierced his chest, killing him instantly. Initial reports suggested the motive was revenge, with the perpetrators believing Sompong had stolen and slaughtered their cattle.
At 11:00 a.m. on April 14, 2025, Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat Jindakuansong, Chonburi Provincial Police Commander, alongside Col. Natthapol Phongsuksakul, Nongprue Police Chief, and investigative teams, arrested 40-year-old Wichai Sinklin, alias “Tuk,” a primary suspect and the alleged triggerman. The arrest took place at a grocery shop along Thung Klom-Talman Road approximately 3 kilometers from the crime scene.
Police seized a single-shot long-barreled shotgun from Wichai’s residence, which doubled as his cattle pen, along with an Isuzu D-Max pickup truck used in the crime. Wichai confessed to shooting Sompong, claiming he was provoked by taunting remarks. According to Wichai, Sompong mocked him, saying, “Yeah, I slaughtered your cow. What are you gonna do about it?” Enraged, Wichai fired a single shot, killing Sompong on the spot.
Wichai further explained that on the night of April 12, his cattle pen (2-3 kilometers from the crime scene) was damaged, allowing seven cows to escape. He recovered five but found tracks leading to Sompong’s pen. Upon arrival, he noticed signs of recent slaughter and spotted a cow’s head resembling one of his missing animals, fueling his suspicions.
Later that day, 38-year-old Wanchai Jampaboup, alias “Neng,” surrendered at Nongprue Police Station. Initially thought to be the cattle owner, Neng clarified he was merely a caretaker for Wichai’s herd. He admitted to accompanying Wichai to confront Sompong, agreeing to the claim that Sompong’s provocative remarks—allegedly including, “What are you idiots gonna do? I already butchered your cows”—triggered the fatal shooting. Neng denied rumors of prior disputes with Sompong over cattle trading, noting they were acquaintances with no history of conflict.
The third suspect, 50-year-old Ninat, alias “Tu,” was also detained, completing the trio responsible for the crime.
Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat praised the Nongprue Police for apprehending all suspects within 24 hours.
Investigators recovered a spent shotgun shell discarded in bushes roughly 100 meters from the crime scene. Plans to reenact the shooting were canceled due to rising tensions, as Sompong’s relatives, including his eldest son, James, gathered nearby. James, visibly angry, confronted officers, demanding, “Why did they do this to my father?” To avoid escalation, police returned the suspects to the station.
The trio faces charges of joint murder and violations of the Firearms Act.
The Pattaya News team also visited Wichai’s cattle pen, where they spoke with 63-year-old “Aunt Cat,” the mother of Wanchai (Neng). She stated that on April 12, 7 cows escaped after their pen collapsed. Most were recovered, but 2-3 remained missing. On April 13, a villager purchased 5 kilograms of beef from Sompong’s pen, prompting Neng to investigate. He allegedly confirmed signs of slaughter and informed Wichai, leading to the fatal confrontation.
Aunt Cat expressed sorrow, saying, “I’m not defending my son, but let justice take its course. If he’s guilty, he must face the consequences. Still, as a mother, I’m heartbroken—who’ll tend the cows without him?”
Sompong’s family, meanwhile, have denied the claims of him stealing and slaughtering a cow and called the statements from the suspect’s lies and misinformation. Police are investigating further.
