Policeman's body returned to his family in Maha Sarakham
Tearful family members in Na Dun district yesterday received the body of 24-year-old undercover policeman Lance-Corporal Suchat Nunoonjan, killed earlier this month while protecting Yala teachers.
A royal-sponsored cremation will be held on Thursday for Suchat, who was posthumously promoted eight ranks by the police. Grief-stricken parents Janda and Thongdaeng recalled the last time they saw their second-eldest son alive. Suchat returned home on leave a little less than a month ago to attend the funeral of a friend and fellow peace officer, who was killed in the South. Just hours before Suchat was shot by suspected militants, he telephoned his parents to tell them he had wired home Bt20,000 to help support the family. He died in a February 9 gun battle with militants. The family received a 5pm telephone call from one of Suchat's superiors to say he had died serving his country. Because of Suchat's role as an undercover policeman he was not wearing body armour, his father Thongdaeng said. "My heart broke when we learnt the news. I couldn't do anything. I have been crying ever since. Now, I have no more tears," Janda said. She said she had dreamed the loss of her son. She had a vision that her tiny rolled-metal amulet protecting her from harm fell off her waist. She had never told anyone of the dream until now. Family, friends and officials - including Maha Sarakham Governor Chuan Sirinanthporn - crowded Suchat's funeral yesterday offering condolences. Suchat was described as a "good, family-loving man". The violence in the deep South has claimed some 2,000 lives in the past three years. Yesterday morning, a Narathiwat explosion killed one soldier and injured another. Their eight-member squad was patrolling near To Deng railway station in Sungai Padi district. Command Sgt-Major Wichian Wisetwoharn was seriously wounded and died later of his injuries. Command Sgt-Major Wachira Srithong received minor injuries. In another incident in the same district, Mamayi Yako, a Muslim, was injured in a gun attack while working in a rubber plantation. In neighbouring Yala, a rubber worker suffered a minor gunshot wound after suspected militants opened fire on him and his wife as they rode their plantation. Police attributed all attacks to militants.
The Nation MAHA SARAKHAM
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