Alcohol Suppliers Arrested Amid Attempted Murder Charges Linked to Fatal Methyl Alcohol Poisoning
PUBLISHED: 30 Aug 2024 at 20:02
Two brothers have been arrested in Ayutthaya for supplying toxic methyl alcohol to a moonshine producer in Min Buri, culminating in the poisoning deaths of six individuals. This marked the siblings’ second arrest in a week.
Surasak and Surachai Insaam, aged 46 and 44, were apprehended in the Bo Ta Lo area of Wang Noi district on Thursday night after extensive efforts by law enforcement. Police Maj Gen Kiatikul Sonthinen revealed that it took 50 officers half a day to locate the brothers in a wooded area.
The duo was originally detained earlier in the week in Saphan Sung district, following information from a moonshine maker known as “Je Poo,” who admitted to purchasing their supplies to produce herbal liquor.
This illicit liquor was sold to multiple vendors across six districts in Bangkok. The deadly moonshine has resulted in six fatalities and left 43 others severely ill.
After being detained for unauthorized liquor sales, the brothers were granted bail on Tuesday. However, a subsequent arrest warrant was issued for attempted murder and food adulteration hazardous to public health, resulting in their capture on Friday.
Upon arrest, both brothers denied the charges, claiming to have diluted commercial ethanol, purportedly safe at a final alcohol concentration of 35%.
Je Poo disclosed that she had been working with the brothers for a year to sell their moonshine, purchasing the alcohol at 900 baht per 25 liters. Reports of customer complaints regarding the product began surfacing this month, and Je Poo herself experienced severe reactions after consumption.
As of now, public health officials report concerning incidents involving the deadly moonshine initiated on August 22. In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Justice has announced compensation of up to 100,000 baht for families of the deceased, which includes funeral costs and support for the victims’ families. Additionally, those affected by the liquor can receive up to 40,000 baht for medical expenses, along with further financial support for rehabilitation and income loss.
