Sex killer owns up


A confessed serial rapist yesterday admitted to the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl here on Saturday.

He told police he violated and killed the girl out of lust and had committed other rapes throughout the country.

The Muang district girl was allegedly raped and killed by Somkuan Panthong, 38, while she was home alone on Saturday evening.

Somkuan admitted he planned the attack after earlier noticing the girl. He faces execution if convicted.

Nakhon Si Thammarat police chief Maj-General Sudjai Yanrat said bail would be opposed because Somkuan was a flight risk and his life was in danger from relatives of the victim.

The victim's parents found the girl dead when they returned home from working on their farm.

The victim had been alone for just 90 minutes.

Neighbours told police Somkuan was seen offering for sale a songbird found missing from the victim's home after the attack.

Somkuan admitted the offences when questioned. The suspect told reporters he was "tired of lying".

Police said Phichit native Somkuan had convictions for rape and theft and had admitted other rapes committed after his release from prison.

He fled south to escape arrest for those offences.

Krissana Jutisawaeng
The Nation
Nakhon Si Thammarat