Chumphon official linked to three deaths in shooting spree

Police in Chumphon are investigating a series of shootings that left three people dead, including the suspected gunman, and a 60-year-old woman seriously injured.

The suspect, identified only as 59-year-old Nipon, was a civil servant with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources based at the Bang Saphan centre. Police believe the shootings began at the home of his 48-year-old girlfriend in Mueang Chumphon before continuing more than 50 kilometres away in Pathio district.

Woman found shot in rented home

Pol Capt Naruephon Chuchuay, an investigator at Mueang Chumphon Police Station, received a report of a woman's body inside a rented shophouse in Soi 2, Mueang Chumphon.

Investigators, a doctor from Chumphon Hospital and rescue workers from the Sai Chon Chumphon Charity Foundation attended the scene.

The property was one of eight shophouse-style rental units. A white saloon car and a big bike, both found to belong to Nipon, were parked outside the first unit.

Inside, police found Thanapha, 48, a pork seller, dead on a bed. She had been shot once near the right side of her mouth and once in the left breast, with the bullet exiting through her back. Officers initially estimated that she had been dead for at least five hours.

A white notebook found beside the bed contained handwritten farewell messages to family members, references to making merit, and the signature "Ae krab niphon". It was taken as evidence.

Thanapha's father told police he had been unable to contact his daughter. When he arrived at the house, it was locked, and neighbours said they had heard gunshots that morning.

Second shooting in Pathio district

Police believe Nipon argued with Thanapha over jealousy before shooting her. He then allegedly wrote farewell messages to his wife and children before leaving Mueang Chumphon for Pathio district.

Investigators said he went to a house in Moo 3, Chum Kho subdistrict, which was reportedly being used as a card gambling venue. There, he allegedly shot and killed 50-year-old Damrat and seriously wounded 60-year-old Kanawan.

Police are examining information suggesting Nipon suspected Damrat of being involved with Thanapha. The exact motive remains under investigation.

Nipon then reportedly used the same firearm to shoot himself in the temple while inside his vehicle. His death brought the total number of fatalities to three.

Police evidence gathering

Relatives took Nipon's body to the Sai Chon Chumphon Charity Foundation for funeral rites. His wife, who had been working in Surat Thani, was reportedly unaware of the events until she was informed and returned to collect his body.

Police are checking the weapon, the suspect's travel route, witness accounts and the sequence of events at each location.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

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28 September 2026