Bangkok Post
Ex-minister given death sentence for murder of adopted son
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The Criminal Court has sentenced former cabinet minister Soonthorn Vilawan, 87, to death for the murder of a Prachin Buri councillor who was his adopted son. The sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.
Key facts
- Chaimet Sitsanitphong, 49, was found dead inside Soonthorn’s house in Muang district of Prachin Buri on Dec 11, 2024
- The Criminal Court has sentenced former cabinet minister Soonthorn Vilawan, 87, to death for the murder of a Prachin Buri councillor who was his adopted son
- He made headlines in June 2022 over alleged forest encroachment in Khao Yai National Park.
- In February 2024, the Supreme Court banned Ms Kanokwan, a former Bhumjaithai MP, from elected office for life for forest encroachment.
Summary
Chaimet Sitsanitphong, 49, was found dead inside Soonthorn’s house in Muang district of Prachin Buri on Dec 11, 2024. Police investigators said he had been shot 22 times with a shotgun and handguns.
Chaimet had gone to Soonthorn’s house to seek support for his wife’s plan to run for the president’s seat in the Prachin Buri Provincial Administration Organisation. Soonthorn is a former president of the organisation.