RAYONG, Thailand – A 26-year-old man died after taking a handgun from a police patrol officer outside Muang Rayong Police Station early on October 5. Police said the man, identified as a resident of Roi Et province, had arrived at the station asking to charge his mobile phone. He reportedly appeared distressed and told people that he believed someone was following him and intended to kill him.
At around 12.24 a.m., he allegedly took the officer’s handgun from its holster and used it to take his own life at the scene. A farewell letter was also found. Muang Rayong Police Station chief Pol. Col. Athit Yakaew said the letter indicated that the man had intended to end his life at the police station and contained farewell messages. The letter also reportedly mentioned his belief that someone wanted him killed and included instructions concerning his funeral.
Further checks found that the man had previously served as a conscript and had experience handling firearms. Police said this may have enabled him to remove the secured handgun from the officer’s holster before the fatal incident. Police will contact the man’s relatives for further questioning as they continue investigating the circumstances and possible factors behind the incident.
