NO MALICE INTENDED; BRUTAL LENDER; PARTING GIFT FOR DRUGGIE

A Myanmar man arrested for shooting to death his wife's employer in Phetkasem says the gun went off accidentally during a struggle.

- 

Police nabbed Sai Han, 23, a Shan state man, for killing Yuttharoj Suwansumet, 70, a fitness centre owner and his wife's boss, who had earlier offered him a job.

Sai Han shot the victim at his home on May 12 following a struggle when Yuttharoj tried to stop him from seeing his wife.

After the shooting, which Sai Han claims was accidental, the suspect took the victim's gun, phone and vehicle and fled.

Police caught up with him in soi On Nut 65 the next night, by which time he had found a place to stay and a new job.

Sai Han, who has been working as a painter in Samut Prakan, told police via an interpreter that he went to visit his wife initially on May 8 at her boss’ house.

She had been working there since late last month, and he went there to ask his wife for 1,000 baht. He saw her boss, Yuttharoj, carrying a bag that contained a remote for the house door, car keys and a handgun.

Later, Yuttharoj invited Sai Han to work with him, so the suspect went back to Samut Prakan and quit his job.

However, his wife spoke to Yuttharoj, telling him her husband liked to drink and often abused her, which led to Yuttharoj deciding not to hire him after all.

This annoyed Sai Han, who on the day of the incident hired a taxi from Samut Prakan to return to the house.

He intended to “clear things up” with his wife but not to harm her, the suspect told police.

Arriving there, Sai Han borrowed the driver's phone to call his wife to open the gate. No one came out, so he climbed over the gate.

When he reached the Thai-style house, he found Yuttharoj holding a gun, barring his way.

Sai Han insisted he would go in to see his wife, and the victim fired two warning shots into the ground.

Sai Han thought he had nothing to lose, so he jumped on the victim to protect himself, he said, resulting in a struggle over the weapon. It accidentally discharged, shooting Yuttharoj dead.