Hunt for 4-5 on 'hit team' who killed Surat politician

Police have set up a special taskforce to hunt down gunmen involved in the fatal shooting of a high-profile local politician in Surat Thani late on Sunday night.

"The team has already been dispatched to gather intelligence in target areas. But we cannot disclose details," Kanchanadit Police Station superintendent Colonel Jamnote Kaewkhao said yesterday.

According to an informed source, the team has already obtained information about the gunmen and reported they are now hiding in Don Sak district close to the provincial border with Nakhon Si Thammarat.

"Four or five men might have been involved," Jamnote said, "It's a blatant crime."

The attack took place at a temple festival in Kanchanadit district at about 11pm on Sunday.

Surat Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation councillor Songwut Noppakhun, 52, was presenting awards to performers on stage when he was shot in the head.

Witnesses said two men went on to the stage during the award presentation and one suddenly pulled out a gun and shot Songwut.

After the shooting, an exchange of gunfire erupted between Songwut's supporters and his attackers, which saw many bystanders hit by a hail the bullets. A five-year-old girl, Pornpatcha Thamsangwan, was also killed during the wild shootout.

Both Songwut and the young girl succumbed to their injuries at Surat Thani Hospital.

Songwut's nine-year-old daughter, Wilasinee Noppakhun, was among 10 others injured.

Police say there were three possible motives behind the slaying: personal conflict, a political conflict, or a business conflict.

Songwut had been a key canvasser for Pheu Thai Party in Surat Thani. His elder brother Charnyut Noppakhun ran for an MP seat in the July 3 election under the Pheu Thai banner.

"Songwut was very straightforward. He was not afraid of mafia-style figures," Charnyut said of his brother.

Songwut also played a key role against the spread of drugs and the exploitation of natural resources, he said.

Another source said Songwut was close to local people and state officials.

"But he had run into conflict with an influential figure lately. So, he was on alert at all the times but still faced this attack," the source said.