'LET TRAGEDY STOP KILLINGS'

Devastated Family Demands Answers

Relatives of nine-year-old Chakkapan Srisa-ard _ allegedly shot dead by
drug police chasing his mother _ hope the tragedy will stop the urge to kill.

"I want police to think about that little boy every time they are about to
draw their guns," an uncle, Somchai Kerdrungruang, said yesterday.

Chakkapan, or Fluke, died a lonely death. His father, Sathaporn, had just
been arrested for peddling 6,000 speed pills and his mother, Pornwipa, was
fleeing for her life when the boy took his last breath.

Two bullets hit Chakkapan in the back when police tried to stop the getaway
car driven by his mother, who managed to escape.

Mr Somchai said police had to explain why they had to fire at the car with
only a woman and a child inside.

Another uncle, Chalermpol Kerdrungruang, said police had over-reacted. "The
war on drugs is getting more violent every day. Police kept shooting and
shooting at the car. They wanted them to die. Even a child was not spared."
Sadness and anger were evident at yesterday's funeral rites for Chakkapan
at Wat Lat Pla Khao in Bangkok.

Tears rolled down the cheeks of 10-year-old Puwanart Kerdrungruang when he
poured water on close friend and relative Chakkapan's lifeless hand. When
Puwanart played with Chakkapan on Sunday evening at their grandmother's
house, little did he realise it would be their last moments together.
Watcharasit Panyanon, 9, a Samitthichote school classmate, said all
Chakkapan's friends were shocked at his death.