BANGKOK, Thailand – A dispute over motorcycle taxi fares erupted into a deadly shooting in the early hours of June 14, resulting in one driver being killed and two others seriously injured.
Attack Before the Market
Shortly before 3 AM, shots suddenly rang out in front of the Kiat Thongchai Market on Soi Prachasongkhro 38. A group of motorcycle taxi drivers were resting together when a young man approached them and immediately started an argument.
The heated exchange escalated into a wild brawl. Amid the chaos, the assailant drew a pistol and fired multiple shots into the group of drivers.
Dead Driver on the Ground
When emergency services arrived, they found 37-year-old Phurit Mangthisan lifeless on the pavement. The motorcycle taxi driver, wearing his orange vest numbered 12, had sustained fatal injuries.
Two other men from the group were also seriously injured. Kiattisak Srirat, 46, and Charin Khunarak, 48, were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Perpetrator Fled by Public Transport
After the shooting, the gunman fled the scene in an unknown direction. Witnesses described him as a young man wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, short jeans, and a black shoulder bag.
He later stated that he escaped from the crime scene in the Din Daeng district using public transportation.
Border Police Officer Surrenders at Makkasan Station
Only a short time later, officers received notification that the suspect had appeared at the Makkasan Police Station. He was identified as 33-year-old Police Lance Corporal Namthap from the Border Protection Police Office.
He handed over his weapon, a 9-millimeter Sig Sauer pistol, along with a magazine. Both items were immediately secured as evidence.
Fare Dispute as Trigger
During initial questioning, the arrested police officer stated that the entire incident was triggered by a conflict over a motorcycle taxi fare. The dispute then escalated into a bitter argument.
Why exactly the officer initiated the verbal conflict and then opened fire on the entire group is part of the ongoing investigation.
Police Custody and Further Steps
The seriously injured drivers were admitted to Charoen Krung Pracharak Hospital and Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital. Forensic investigators also began their work at the bloody crime scene that night.
The perpetrator was taken into temporary custody. The Huai Khwang Police Station has taken over further investigations in preparation for criminal prosecution.