[23InetrySypekek]

A Nakhon Si Thammarat prison guard known for his integrity was shot dead yesterday in a murder suspected to have been organised by drug-dealing inmates in the jail.

Police believe the guard was killed due to his willingness to take action against inmates and corrupt officials.

Corrections Department Deputy Director-General Sophon Thitithammarak yesterday made an urgent visit to the prison to discuss the case with its commander, Suraphol Kaewparadai, and search for facts.

The department's director was notified via telephone about the case. He is now on a working trip to Europe.

The victim, Aod Saephua, 49, was in charge of the medical facility inside Nakhon Si Thammarat Central Prison. He was shot in the head and body with .9mm handgun while riding a motorcycle home on Naphru-Benjama Road.

Five bullets were found at the murder scene, local police chief Maj-General Ronnapong Saikaeo said.

Aod had been preparing to take meal boxes and snacks made by his wife and children to sell at the prison.

Reports said two assailants used a pickup truck to block his escape, while one of two others riding a motorcycle opened fire on him. They all escaped towards the Benjamarachuthit intersection.

Jail boss Suraphol and a police officer investigating the case said Aod was an honest employee, who conducted strict searches for drugs hidden in meals from outside - and found them on many occasions.

He was reportedly offered bribes to allow drug transports into the prison, but refused them.

Instead, he usually reported the problems to Suraphol. This is believed to have upset the drug network in the prison, allegedly leading them to hire gunmen to kill him.

Reports said early this month that Aod was threatened with death after discovering smuggled crystal methamphetamine, or "ice".

"I believe Aod's conflict with the drug network was the cause of his death. We will be internally investigating to discover who in the prison was behind this case. We suspect two groups - the drug-related inmates and [corrupt] prison officials," Suraphol said.

"I'm sure that we will know who did it soon," he said.