CHACHOENGSAO, Thailand – A highway police officer has been arrested after allegedly shooting a fellow officer more than 10 times following a work-related argument that escalated into violence at a highway police service unit in Bang Khla district. The incident took place at the Bang Khla Highway Police Public Service Unit in Moo 5, Tha Thonglang subdistrict, where Police Snr.Sgt.Maj. Phitsanu allegedly used a 9mm handgun to shoot Police Lt. Yutthapong.
Authorities arriving at the scene found Yutthapong injured near the parking area. He had suffered gunshot wounds and was still conscious and able to communicate with officers. Emergency responders transported him to Phutthasothon Hospital for treatment. Police said the two officers worked together at the Bang Khla Highway Police unit, where duty assignments are rotated every 10 days. Yutthapong was the unit supervisor, while Phitsanu was scheduled to begin his duty shift on the day of the incident.
Before the shooting, both officers had attended a dinner gathering with more than 10 other police personnel. Investigators said an argument related to work began during the gathering and continued after they returned to the police service unit. The dispute reportedly escalated before Phitsanu allegedly opened fire. A woman who was inside the service unit said she heard what sounded like an argument before hearing several gunshots. She looked outside and saw both officers in the area where the shooting occurred. Following the incident, Phitsanu remained at the Bang Khla Police Station and surrendered to authorities. During questioning, he appeared tense and initially declined to provide details, saying he wanted his lawyer present during the formal investigation.
Police said he admitted in an initial statement that the incident was connected to a workplace disagreement. He reportedly said differences in age, rank, and opinions contributed to the conflict and that the situation escalated beyond discussion. Authorities placed the suspect in custody at Bang Khla Police Station and are preparing to take him to Chachoengsao Provincial Court for a detention request. The investigation is continuing, with police pursuing legal action over the shooting. (TNA)
