Local News in Brief : Insulted Thai Convicted

A native of Thailand has been convicted of second-degree murder for shooting to death a Laotian who had insulted him by putting his foot up on a table while the defendant sang at a restaurant.

In the defendant’s native culture, the victim’s behavior is considered “a very serious insult,” Deputy Dist. Atty. David Dahle said.

The defendant, Pongsak Trakulrat, was also convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court of attempted murder and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon for shooting at three other members of the murder victim’s party.

Dahle said the incident occurred after Trakulrat sang at an amateur night program at the Thai Town restaurant on Melrose Avenue in March, 1985. Several hours later, he followed the man who had put his foot up on the table, Korakanh Piousourinha, then opened fire with a pistol outside the restaurant.

Trakulrat faces up to 31 years to life in prison; sentencing is scheduled for March 28.