Police Deny Links to Serial Killer 'Pong'; Detainees Segregated in Prison

Authorities in Chonburi, Thailand, have reaffirmed that there is no connection between the serial killer suspect known as 'Pong' and law enforcement or prison officials. The case involves 'Pong' and his accomplices, who are accused of murdering two Russian siblings and burying their bodies, as well as previously killing a family of three and burying them in the same vicinity. Investigators are continuing to expand their inquiry, particularly concerning 'Fluke,' an accomplice who initially suggested that more than two incidents and over five victims might be involved. However, Police Colonel Phasakorn Phaijit, Superintendent of the Chonburi Provincial Police Investigation Division, personally interrogated 'Fluke' for over three hours, during which the suspect denied these claims. Regarding the public's observations about 'Pong' impersonating a police officer and using a fake ID, Police Colonel Phasakorn Phaijit and Police Colonel Warawut Nittayawan, Superintendent of the Huay Yai Police Station, both confirmed that he is not an informant or an associate of the police. They reasoned that if he were working with the police, he would not have been imprisoned since 2018. They urged the public to exercise discretion in evaluating information, stating that there is currently no evidence to support such allegations. They also emphasized that any state officials found to be involved in aiding offenders would be prosecuted without exception. Meanwhile, the girlfriend of 'Ball,' one of the suspects, stated that her boyfriend did not intend to participate in the murders but was tricked by 'Pong' into accompanying him to collect a debt, only to discover it was a homicide. She claimed that after the incident, 'Ball' has been experiencing severe anxiety, insomnia, and fear for his family's safety due to threats from 'Pong.' She expressed concern for 'Ball's' well-being while he is in detention and requested authorities to consider segregating him from other inmates due to safety concerns. Officials at the Pattaya Special Prison reported that three suspects in the case of five murders and burials were transferred to the prison on the evening of August 1st: 'Pong,' 'Thong,' and 'Ball.' 'Fluke' has not yet been transferred as he is still undergoing further questioning by the police. The three transferred inmates have initially been placed in solitary confinement in the reception area. 'Thong' and 'Ball' are showing signs of stress, while 'Pong' appears calm. All three inmates will remain in the reception area for seven days for observation and quarantine before being moved to the general population. Prison officials will carefully assess the appropriate confinement area, as there are concerns that these inmates might be targeted by other prisoners if placed in the general population. Information Source: INN News