Navy officer arrested for Sattahip restaurant shooting

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A Royal Thai Navy officer has been charged with attempted murder for shooting a Nonthaburi man who intervened in a fight between the officer and the officer’s wife.

Sub Lt. Somdej Kwangnin, 44, turned himself in to Sattahip police around 11 a.m. Sept. 17, about 10 hours after he allegedly gunned down mineral company executive Taworn Songwonsat, 56, at the 10 Salung rice restaurant in Moo 3 village.

Sub. Lt. Somdej Kwangnin himself in to Sattahip police about 10 hours after he allegedly gunned down mineral company executive Taworn Songwonsat.Sub. Lt. Somdej Kwangnin himself in to Sattahip police about 10 hours after he allegedly gunned down mineral company executive Taworn Songwonsat.

Taworn, who suffered a through-and-through chest wound, was reported in critical condition at Queen Sirikit Naval Medical Center. The suspect was released on bail in respect for his military service.

Restaurant owner Songkram Khanthong said the shooting occurred after Taworn tried to break up a vociferous argument between Somdej and his wife at the next table. Not heeding the officer’s advice to mind his own business, Taworn found himself at the business end of a 38-caliber pistol. Songkram said Somdej then fired five shots, hitting the victim once and scattering the restaurant patrons.