Police Inspector Arrested for Alleged Murder Plot Over B14M Insurance Payout
SAKON NAKHON, Thailand – A police inspector in Sakon Nakhon province has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating the murder of a local man in a scheme to claim a 14-million-baht insurance payout.
Pol Lt Col Nanmanas Phosri, an inspector responsible for investigations, surrendered at Wanon Niwat Police Station on Wednesday. However, investigators immediately took him into custody under an arrest warrant issued in connection with the case.
Suspicious Insurance Claims Uncover the Plot
The murder plot came to light after representatives from several insurance companies reported suspiciously large claims following the death of 32-year-old Wichian Jityen, a resident of Wanon Niwat district.
Wichian was killed in a three-vehicle crash on the Ban Nabua-Charoensil road in Wanon Niwat district on the night of February 10. Following the accident, drivers Somsak Wobao, 56, Phornchanok Onsurathum, 41, and Pheeraphat Raksakun, 40, surrendered to authorities and were initially charged with reckless driving causing death.
Investigation Reveals a Deliberate Murder
Upon further investigation, Wanon Niwat police and Sakon Nakhon provincial officers suspected that the fatal crash had been intentionally staged. A court-issued arrest warrant led to the apprehension of the three drivers and a fourth suspect, Sakon “Mek” Sonkaew, 38, on charges of colluding in murder.
During questioning, the suspects implicated a police lieutenant colonel in the murder-for-insurance scheme, later identified as Pol Lt Col Nanmanas.
Legal Proceedings and Disciplinary Action
Pol Maj Gen Somjit Laomongkolnitmit, Sakon Nakhon’s provincial police chief, confirmed that Pol Lt Col Nanmanas has denied all charges. Authorities are set to present him before the provincial court on Thursday to seek his formal detention.
Meanwhile, the provincial police chief stated that an order will be issued to suspend the accused officer from the force pending the outcome of the investigation.
