PATTAYA, THAILAND – A drunken police officer allegedly shot dead a cannabis shop owner on Walking Street, and fresh accusations about his conduct and possible motives have now surfaced.
Shots fired behind cannabis shop on Walking Street
The case centred on Police Senior Sergeant Major R.ต.ต. จีระศักดิ์ ศรีคัทธะนาม (54), known by the nickname “หมวดโจ้”, who allegedly killed a 41‑year‑old cannabis shop owner, นายภัทรธร จิรโชคชัยกุล, known as “King”, in Pattaya.
According to reports, the incident took place behind a cannabis shop on Walking Street in South Pattaya, Chonburi province, after the officer, who was reportedly intoxicated, lost control.
Police add charge over insulting behaviour towards officer
On 20 April 2569 (Buddhist calendar) at 11:30 a.m., the suspect was taken from his cell to be informed of an additional charge.
In addition to alleged killing and violations of weapons laws, he was now also accused of “insulting an officer in the execution of duty.”
Alleged conduct during arrest on the night of the shooting
The new accusation was based on the suspect’s behaviour when patrol officers subdued him after the shooting and a police officer tried to calm him and have him sit down.
According to this account, “หมวดโจ้” spoke disparagingly and made obscene gestures; despite being warned that this could lead to another charge, he allegedly continued to provoke officers and claimed he was an “undercover agent”.
Brief statement of apology from the suspect
During his presentation to the media on the new charge, the accused did not respond to questions.
However, in an earlier, brief questioning that morning, he addressed the victim and relatives, saying:
“I apologise to the victim and his family.”
said the suspect, a police officer.
He also stated in short terms that the incident had happened “very quickly” before being returned to the custody of Pattaya police.
Further questioning and move towards pre-trial detention
For midday, police announced that a deputy provincial police commander from Chonburi would personally question the suspect.
Afterwards, the investigating officer was to prepare his transfer to pre‑trial detention at Pattaya Provincial Court for an initial remand hearing later that afternoon.
Victim’s brother recounts moments before the gunfire
The victim’s 44‑year‑old brother, นายศากวร จิรโชคชัยกุล, nicknamed “A”, said “หมวดโจ้” had entered the shop before the shooting with a subordinate and a woman, three people in total.
While the subordinate and the woman watched a show in the front area, “หมวดโจ้”, the victim and a business partner known as “Golf” went to the back; there, beer was ordered for the officer, while the victim and partner did not drink, according to the family.
Partner’s account: warning shot before fatal rounds
According to the brother, partner “Golf” had the impression that the conversation felt like a kind of debt collection or extortion.
He reported that “หมวดโจ้” first fired a shot at “Golf”, with the bullet only grazing his head; when the victim tried to calm the situation and push the weapon down, three shots were allegedly fired diagonally into his chest.
Suspect restrained in shop, motive still unclear
After the shooting, the suspect reportedly tried to flee but was restrained by staff at the venue.
His subordinate was also brought under control inside the premises.
The brother stressed that the family still did not know why the deadly shooting had occurred and believed there had to be “more behind it”.
He said the family planned to hire a lawyer.
Phone and chat logs seen as possible clue
The family announced plans to examine the victim’s mobile phone, which they said had been found in the sea, in order to secure further evidence.
The brother also released information from chats in which “หมวดโจ้” had allegedly offered the victim a gun for 40,000 baht shortly after they met, while the victim barely reacted and showed no interest in the offer.