"Gun Jomphalang" took the child of Pong's ex-girlfriend to the Ministry of Justice to request strict punishment for serious offenders. The victim claims Pong forced his mother to deliver drugs, refused to be beaten despite being heavily pregnant, and was threatened with family-wide murder, forcing them to flee.
At 11:00 a.m. on 3 Aug 2026 GMT+7 at the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Kanthat Phongpaiboonwet, known as “Gun Jomphalang,” accompanied relatives of the three victims—a father, mother, and daughter—in the case against Mr. Thana, alias “Pong” Kerdthong, 43, and associates including Mr. Thongchai, alias “Thong” Srinil, 39; Mr. Atsadang, alias “Ball”; and Mr. Chatchanan, alias “Fluke,” suspects in the triple murder and burial in Chonburi. Also present was the son of Pong’s former girlfriend, whose mother had dated Pong for about six months. They submitted a letter to Police Lieutenant General Ruthapon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, requesting consideration of stricter punishment for serious offenders and to hear the impact on victims who had previously suffered from Pong’s actions.
Mr. Kanthat said he brought the victim to meet the Minister of Justice because, although the events happened over 17 years ago, Pong still exhibits the same behavior and could commit serious crimes again. He urged authorities to review law enforcement processes and prevention measures to stop repeat offenses. Pong had been arrested before in clashes with police and was recently caught again with a firearm. Kanthat questioned whether the firearm found recently was the same one seen years ago, and if so, why Pong still possessed it. In the past, Pong had a revolver, two hand grenades, and police uniforms in his home. This ongoing behavior led Kanthat to call for authorities to reconsider sentencing processes for serious repeat offenders.
The triple murder case in Chonburi was extremely brutal. The daughter of the victim family had just finished work at a convenience store and returned home before being killed along with her parents. The perpetrators buried the bodies using the victims’ car to transport the corpses, then returned the vehicle to the house to create the illusion someone still lived there. Additionally, Pong activated the deceased father’s mobile phone, causing relatives to mistakenly suspect the brother-in-law, since calls were answered by a woman or TV sounds were heard, deceiving authorities. When police arrested the suspects and examined the phone, they still found calls answered by a woman, considered a method of concealment by the perpetrators.
Mr. Kanthat said that although the police have arrested Pong and his associates, the key issue is preventing serious offenders from reoffending. He proposed enforcing life imprisonment or the maximum penalty seriously, as many convicts are released without certainty they have reformed. Pong had been in and out of prison 5-6 times and typically confessed immediately upon arrest to receive reduced sentences, despite many innocent lives lost with no chance of return. The perpetrators, however, get second chances, which he deemed unfair. Some informants stated that prison life might be more painful than death.
Information from people who shared prison time with Pong revealed he did not behave well even inside prison. Such individuals not only instill fear in society but also worry fellow inmates. Therefore, Kanthat argued for serious enforcement of punishments.
The son of Pong’s ex-girlfriend revealed the incident occurred about 17 years ago when he was only 15. On their first meeting, Pong held a gun to his head and pushed him against a wall before his mother intervened. He noticed police uniforms hanging in the house, firearms, two grenades, and a sparta knife under the sofa, which caused great fear. Pong forced his mother to deliver drugs, and when she refused and threatened to report him to police, Pong and his associates assaulted her. They took her to Khao Chichan, Bang Lamung District, where they slashed her throat with a knife and beat her with sticks. Some accomplices knew the mother, allowing her to escape during the attack. Later, when treated at a hospital, Pong threatened to kill the entire family, so she dared not report to authorities and fled to Ban Bueng District but continued to receive threatening calls until Pong was arrested.
The victim further revealed that during the attack, his mother was pregnant with triplets, unknown to Pong. Today, some of the triplets survive, while one died. He expressed concern for his grandmother’s safety and demanded Pong be sentenced to death, believing Pong still has remaining networks or associates due to his past influence linked to drug trafficking.
When asked about claims regarding individuals dressed like or connected to police officers 17 years ago, Mr. Kanthat said Pong had detailed knowledge of police procedures, including using official IDs, uniforms, passing checkpoints, disguising as police, and speaking in ways that gained others' trust. He emphasized he was not accusing current police officers and asked for fairness towards all officials.
Regarding rumors that relatives of the three victims were involved in drug trafficking, Mr. Kanthat stated that since the deceased cannot clarify facts, suspects may claim anything.
Relatives of the three victims said that upon learning Pong’s history and behavior, they could not understand how he lived in society until committing such a heinous crime. They believe people like him should not be given chances to reoffend and should receive the death penalty if the law allows. They still live in fear, uncertain if Pong’s release would lead to repeated offenses, and see no sign that he could reform into a good person.