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Drift racing champ
shot dead in Pattaya
Boonlua Chatree
A well-known drift-car racer was killed when four unknown assailants
shot him in the head while riding a motorbike through Pattaya.
Thanapron Pandontri, 24, known in racing circles as “Super Benz”, died
instantly when the 38-caliber bullet pieced his motorcycle helmet within
sight of the Dongtan Beach police substation May 5. Police witnessed the
shooting, but were unable to catch the gunmen.
Girlfriend Sudarat Bunsombut, 22, was riding with Thanapron and told police
they were driving to meet the 24-year-old driver’s brother when four men on
two motorbikes began following them. The race driver was unconcerned, she
said, until they pulled up behind and next to him. One pulled a handgun and
opened fire.
Pattaya Police Superintendent Col. Supachai Puikaewkam alleged the victim
had been involved with gold-snatching gangs in Pattaya and Laem Chabang
before he started racing.
While they have no proof to back their assertions, police speculated the
shooting was motivated either by revenge, illegal-business conflicts or a
dispute over a woman.
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