With this charge, Priyanuch Nonwangchai, Kawita Rachada, Apiwan Satayabundit and Wasin Namprom will face death sentence if convicted in court. The other suspect, Jidarat Promkhun, is not charged with this serious count on grounds that she was not present during the murder and the dismemberment.

The gruesome crime took place last month in Khon Kaen province, with the victim’s body being cut into pieces and buried in a forest.

“There is evidence that the suspects made preparations for the murder,” Provincial Police Region 4 deputy commissioner Pol MajGeneral Tanasak Rittidejpaiboon said yesterday, disregarding Priyanuch’s claim that the killing was accidental.