BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Border Patrol Police Bureau has ordered the suspension of a police sergeant after he allegedly shot and killed a motorcycle taxi rider and injured two others following an argument in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district. The Border Patrol Police Bureau said the suspect, identified as Sgt. Namtap (surname withheld) of Border Patrol Police Sub-Division 21, was on personal leave at the time of the incident, which occurred at around 2:25 a.m. outside Prachasongkhro 38 Road in Din Daeng district. According to police, the officer became involved in a dispute with motorcycle taxi riders before allegedly opening fire. He later surrendered to police and is currently in custody at Huai Khwang Police Station.
The bureau has established a disciplinary investigation committee and proposed his immediate suspension from duty pending the outcome of the inquiry. Deputy Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, Pol. Col. Sakya Saengwan, said the suspect confessed to the shooting, claiming he became angry after believing he was about to be attacked by the victims. He told investigators that he had been drinking beer and dining with his girlfriend before attempting to hire a motorcycle taxi. A dispute reportedly broke out over the fare, escalating into a confrontation that ended in gunfire. Police said the firearm used in the shooting was legally registered to the suspect. He admitted carrying the weapon regularly and also disclosed that he had not taken his prescribed psychiatric medication on the day of the incident.
The officer had reportedly traveled to Bangkok to sit for a government civil service examination scheduled for June 14, but became involved in the deadly altercation beforehand.
He has been charged with intentional murder, attempted murder, and carrying a firearm in a public place without lawful justification. (TNA)
