SorJor Golf Gang Members Face Additional Charges

Strategic Insights -

Police have added a charge of 'banditry' to SorJor Golf gang members involved in the assault on a police officer in front of a polling station in Songkhla Province. The seven suspects, including gang leader Siradanai, will be taken to court to request detention with an objection to bail. Relatives of the victim have expressed concerns about their safety, and a civil society group has submitted a letter to investigate the gang leader's political ethics.

Key Takeaways:

  • SorJor Golf gang members, including leader Siradanai, have been charged with banditry in addition to previous charges of resisting and obstructing an officer, and causing others to commit an offense.
  • The seven suspects will be taken to court tomorrow to request detention with an objection to bail, as relatives of the victim have expressed concerns about their safety.
  • A civil society group has submitted a letter to investigate the gang leader's political ethics, which could lead to removal from office if two-thirds of votes are in support.
  • The gang leader, Siradanai, has a history of violence and was almost arrested in an online gambling case in 2019.
  • He also claims to have graduated from Hanachiang High School in Malaysia, but there is evidence that he was expelled due to a violent fight with a student.
  • Siradanai's father, Somyot, is a Democrat Party MP for Songkhla Province and was not arrested in the case.

Statistics:

  • 7 suspects, including gang leader Siradanai, have been charged with banditry and other offenses.
  • 6 of Siradanai's subordinates have been arrested and charged with resisting and obstructing an officer, and jointly assaulting an officer while performing their duty.
  • 2/3 of the votes in support are needed to remove the gang leader from office if the PAO council acknowledges the demand.
  • In 2019, an accomplice, Mr. Pitipol Ek-Uru, was punished in an online gambling case, while Siradanai escaped punishment.

Sources:

  • Thai News Agency, 13 May 2025
  • Police Association letter to the Songkhla Provincial Police Commander, 13 May 2025
  • Letter from civil society to the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization Council, 13 May 2025
  • "Arsit" (Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior) statement
  • CSI LA page information about Siradanai