In a shocking turn of events, two employees of a petrol station in Nakhon Phanom were shot dead late Friday night, plunging the community into grief and leaving law enforcement grappling with an unsettling mystery. The incident took place at the Thai Laemthong petrol station in Lam Bon Ban Phuen of Muang district, raising concerns as all 13 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the premises were found unplugged.
The Crime Scene
The grim discovery was made by Pol Capt. Pichanon Pluemsud, deputy investigation chief at the Muang police station, who received an alert around 10.30 pm on Friday. Upon reaching the station, law enforcement found the lifeless bodies of a man and a woman within the compound of the petrol station.
The victims, identified as Phorrchak Seesupha, a 33-year-old Lao national, and Wichuda Srisumang, a 50-year-old Thai woman, were both brutally attacked. Phorrchak suffered a fatal shot to the head, coupled with wounds from a sharp object on his body. Wichuda, on the other hand, was shot in the back of the neck, and a bullet pierced her face while she was on her motorcycle.
Disturbing Anomalies
The investigation took a perplexing turn as no spent bullets or other evidence that could provide clues to the assailants were found. Adding to the mystery, all 13 CCTV cameras on the premises were intentionally unplugged, suggesting a well-planned and deliberate act.
Victims’ Background
Both victims were employees of the petrol station, working the evening shift. Phorrchak, a Lao national, had been with the station for about a year and was unmarried. Wichuda, a divorced Thai woman, had worked for the station for an extended period.
Station owner Chatree Mombao, 61, expressed shock and disbelief, mentioning that the victims had no known issues with anyone. He revealed that the station operated from 5 am to 9 pm daily, employing four individuals. The victims were attacked as they were about to conclude their shift and head home. Notably, no cash or assets were reported missing from the station.
Puzzling Motive
The motive behind this heinous crime remains elusive, leaving the police in the dark. Chief of Muang police, Pol Col Phakphum Decharuangsil, highlighted the well-planned nature of the crime, considering the intentional disconnection of all CCTV cameras. Investigators are exploring various angles, including personal and business conflicts, as well as the possibility of fraudulent activities such as issuing fake petrol bills.
As the community mourns the loss of two lives, the quest for justice intensifies. The shocking circumstances surrounding this double homicide in Nakhon Phanom have raised concerns about the safety and security of businesses, urging both authorities and the public to remain vigilant in the pursuit of truth and justice.