The Metropolitan Police Chief confirmed that "Srawi" confessed to ordering the abduction of the young manager. He claims he never met the victim and did not intend to kill. The key mobile phone evidence has not yet been recovered. Authorities are preparing to expand investigations into secret footage involving the victim's former close associate.
Progress in the abduction and murder case of Mr. Rut Maneeprasert, also known as “Top,” a company manager importing and distributing medical equipment: At 11:00 a.m. on 6 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Metropolitan Police Chief, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Kiattikul Sontinern, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, went to Sutthisan Police Station to interrogate Mr. Srawi Ratpitakthiratha, also known as Tan.The mastermind who commissioned the crime.The interrogation lasted nearly one hour, with the suspect's lawyer present during the session.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom stated that Mr. Srawi admitted to commissioning Second Lieutenant Phumeth, or Art, who is currently a fugitive. However, he denied intending to kill and said he never met the victim. The motive was anger stemming from family problems. Detailed information is withheld to protect the investigation. He confirmed that Mr. Srawi and Ms. Benyapa Ratpitak are merely siblings living in the same household. Ms. Benyapa is responsible for taking her daughter, who lives with Ms. Gina, to school. Evidence clearly shows Ms. Benyapa participated in the conspiracy by hiring a private detective to gather information about the victim since December last year. This led police to request an arrest warrant and charge all 10 suspects with premeditated murder. Second Lieutenant Phumeth remains at large and is being actively pursued for arrest.
The Metropolitan Police Chief added that regarding the victim's mobile phone, police asked the suspect about it, and he admittedto instructing the gang to bring the victim's phone to him.However, the police have not yet recovered the phone. They are investigating whether secret clips or other evidence are stored on the device to include in the case file. If other individuals are found to be involved, they will face legal action without exception. Regarding Ms. Gina's secret clips reportedly on her personal phone, police are considering whether to request access later to compare evidence.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom further stated that suspects arrested in the initial round are undergoing additional charge notifications. Two suspects granted bail by the court have been contacted to acknowledge further charges. Following Mr. Rut's death, the primary charge is premeditated murder. On 7 Mar 2026 GMT+7 at 09:00 a.m., both suspects will be brought to the Ratchada Criminal Court for detention hearings, with bail opposed due to the serious nature of the crime committed in a public area, the heavy penalties involved, and flight risk concerns.
The Metropolitan Police Chief disclosed that authorities have been in constant communication with the victim's relatives since the incident was reported.,until the mastermind was arrested. The body has been preserved and autopsied by the Forensic Institute at the Police General Hospital. It is expected that the body will be released for funeral rites today.
Meanwhile, Mr. Srawi's lawyer confirmed that he denies all allegations.,and is not connected to his wife named Gina, as they have been separated for a long time.,but maintain a parent-child relationship. Police detained Mr. Srawi due to his close association with Gina, making him a key suspect."Srawi."
Mr. Srawi knew Mr. Art, the leader of the abduction and murder team, from attending the same government training course. Further details are unknown. Mr. Srawi admitted to purchasing airline tickets for international travel but did not specify travel dates.