SAMUT PRAKAN, THAILAND – A traffic confrontation near a BTS station ended with an immigration police officer dead and a large-scale manhunt for the fleeing suspect.
Officer found critically injured near BTS station
On Sunday, 1 February 2026, police in Mueang Samut Prakan received an emergency call reporting a severely injured man near a U-turn by the BTS Chang Erawan station. Responding units found Polce Senior Sergeant Major Sutthiwut Horklang lying unresponsive on the roadway with a serious injury. Paramedics began resuscitation immediately, transported him to hospital and parked nearby was his grey Honda Civic with the driver’s door open, but doctors could only confirm his death.
Witnesses describe near collision and argument
According to a witness who tried to intervene, the victim had been driving towards Samrong when the later suspect began to make a U-turn, nearly causing a collision between the two vehicles. A verbal dispute then developed between the men. The witness told police that the officer stepped out of his car to clarify the situation while the witness attempted to mediate and calm both sides, but the confrontation escalated.
Physical assault and escape on motorcycle
Based on witness statements, the verbal dispute turned into a physical confrontation between the two men. The suspect was reportedly armed and injured the officer during the altercation. He then fled on a black-and-red Honda Wave 110 towards Bang Duan as the victim collapsed, and a second witness confirmed this account to investigators.
Intensive investigation and search underway
Investigators at Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station launched extensive measures at the scene, securing evidence and questioning additional witnesses. They focused on analysing surveillance cameras along the presumed escape route to track the suspect’s movements. The motorcycle’s licence plate remained unknown, and no wanted photo or detailed description of the suspect had yet been released, but police said the investigation was in full swing.
Victim was experienced immigration police team leader
Police Senior Sergeant Major Sutthiwut Horklang served as a team leader with the Immigration Police. His home unit was based in Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand, where colleagues regarded him as experienced and well respected. The reason for his presence in Samut Prakan at the time of the incident was still unclear, and his family and coworkers were reported to be in shock as police pledged to use all available resources to solve the case.
Suspect believed to have acted alone
Initial findings indicated the perpetrator acted alone, and investigators believed the motive was linked to the near traffic accident. Police assumed the killing resulted from a spontaneous escalation rather than a premeditated attack. It also remained uncertain whether the suspect knew he was attacking a police officer, but for the Thai police the case represented another instance of violence directed at law enforcement, and the search for the fugitive had top priority.
Authorities highlight broader problem of traffic violence
Officials noted that the incident illustrated the dangers that could arise from everyday conflicts on the road. Experts pointed to the importance of de-escalation strategies and preventive measures to avoid such violent outcomes in the future. Thai authorities were working on programmes for violence prevention and conflict resolution, and police urged witnesses with relevant information to come forward.
Next steps: charges and public appeals
Once the suspect was apprehended, he was expected to face charges related to a homicide offence, with the prosecutor to determine the exact counts after the investigation concluded. The inquiry would also examine whether the suspect had any prior convictions or mental health issues. Police stated that a hotline had been set up for tips and asked citizens who had seen anything or knew the suspect’s whereabouts to report immediately, stressing that any information could help resolve the case.