CHACHOENGSAO, THAILAND – Authorities detained an off-duty officer accused of fatally shooting a 30-year-old gas station worker on 15 November 2025 in Chachoengsao Province.
Police investigators confirmed that Police Lance Corporal Worawat Thanakittianan, aged 27, allegedly opened fire at the newly opened station in Sanam Chai Khet district at around 12:40 p.m. The victim, identified as Atsadawut “Mai” Buayaem, was found dead beside the fuel pumps with gunshot wounds to the chest and thigh.
Shooting at the gas station
Officers from the Sanam Chai Khet Police Station and forensic teams arrived shortly after local residents reported multiple gunshots. Investigators recovered four spent casings, one found near the rear fuel tank. The area was sealed off for evidence collection.
Eyewitness Ms Jai, a colleague of the victim, told officers she saw the moment the gunman approached Atsadawut while he stood near his phone.
“There was no warning, no argument – it just happened.”
said Ms Jai, colleague
Village head Noree Singkaew also described the victim as diligent and well-regarded.
“He had never had problems with neighbours or colleagues.”
said Noree Singkaew, Village Chief
Family reaction
The victim’s mother, Ms Yupaporn, arrived at the scene soon after the shooting, asking in tears why her only son had been killed. Family members told police that Atsadawut lived alone and worked long hours without any known disputes.
Police officer confesses
The suspect was arrested about one hour after the incident. He belonged to a special operations unit under Police Division 2 and was on home leave in the province. During questioning, Worawat admitted using a .38 revolver to shoot the victim. Investigators said he mentioned long-standing “disagreements” but gave no details.
Ongoing investigation
Police confirmed that the officer remained in custody pending formal charges and forensic review. The victim’s body was sent to a local hospital for autopsy. Senior officials in Chachoengsao Provincial Police Headquarters stated that the process would strictly follow legal procedures.
Authorities emphasized that the case would be handled transparently and that disciplinary actions could follow if the charges were proven.
• 15 November 2025 – 30-year-old Atsadawut Buayaem killed at a Sanam Chai Khet gas station.
• Off-duty officer Worawat Thanakittianan arrested within one hour.
• Investigation ongoing; authorities pledge to apply legal protocol.