PATTAYA, Thailand – The national police chief has ordered a full investigation and strict disciplinary and criminal action against the Pattaya police officer involved in the fatal shooting.
Royal Thai Police spokesperson Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan said National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet and Police Inspector General Pol. Gen. Itthipol Atchariyapradit are closely monitoring the case after learning that the suspect was an officer attached to Pattaya City Police Station.
According to Pattaya police chief Pol. Col. Anek Srathongyu, patrol officers were called to the scene at around 1:20 a.m. after reports of an argument involving a firearm behind a venue in Pattaya.
Investigators found that the suspect, the victim, and another friend had been sitting together before an argument broke out. Police said the officer initially tried to shoot another man at the table, but missed. The victim then attempted to wrestle the gun away from the officer before being shot and later dying at the hospital.
The suspect was immediately detained at the scene.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong said Pattaya police have been instructed to pursue both criminal and disciplinary action against the suspect without delay, while also reviewing supervision and discipline measures within the force. (TNA)
