KHON KAEN, THAILAND – A Thai police officer allegedly high on methamphetamine pointed his gun at his superior and pulled the trigger, but a jammed weapon prevented a fatal shooting in Khon Kaen province.
Emergency call over out-of-control officer
On the morning of 11 December, police received an emergency call reporting that a colleague was completely out of control and threatening local residents. A response team was immediately dispatched to the home of Police Lance Corporal Piyawat. Officers found him in an aggressive, hyperactive state and tried to calm him down and persuade him to put down his weapon.
Gun aimed at deputy crime chief
Instead, Piyawat allegedly aimed his gun at Police Captain Thanabodi Meekham, the deputy crime director of his own station, at close range and pulled the trigger. At that critical moment, the weapon jammed and no shot was fired, a technical failure that likely saved the captain’s life. The suspect then fled on foot, still armed, before colleagues chased him and overpowered him near a bank branch.
Private weapons cache uncovered
During a search of the suspect and his property, investigators discovered what they described as a private weapons arsenal. Seized items included a modified .22-calibre pistol without registration, various types of ammunition, two shotgun cartridges, and a red smoke explosive device. All objects were secured and documented as evidence.
Drug test confirms meth use
At a hospital, blood was taken from the detained officer, and lab results showed the presence of methamphetamine (“Yaba”) in his system. He was formally arrested the same day and faced accusations of attempted murder of a fellow officer, illegal possession of weapons and explosives, and use of a Category 1 narcotic. The case was handed over to investigators at Mancha Khiri police station to launch full criminal proceedings.
Shock within the police ranks
The incident caused shock and dismay within the force, as an officer tasked with upholding law and order became a serious threat himself.
“Trust in our own ranks is shattered.”
said a senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity. The case raised urgent questions about psychological testing and internal controls within the police.
Public trust and calls for stricter controls
For the public, the case was a disturbing sign that danger could come not only from outside but also from within the ranks of law enforcement. Commentators stressed that the investigation needed to be thorough and leave no questions unanswered. They asked who monitors those who carry weapons, whether stricter controls and more frequent tests are needed, and how early warning signs can be taken more seriously to restore public confidence.