Officer Killed, Hostages Freed After 8-Hour Standoff in Bangkok Suburb

[webfact]

Hostage standoff with police in Bangkok. Picture courtesy: Thai PBS

 

After an intense eight-hour hostage standoff with police in Bangkok, a man was found dead in a house, with the confrontation tragically resulting in the death of one officer and the injury of another.

 

The ordeal began last night at 9.35pm, when police from the Tha Kham police station responded to reports of a man, named Boonma, holding his family hostage at a house on Kanchana-Rama 2 Road. Boonma, who had known mental health issues, struck his daughter with a pistol, setting off a chain of distressing events.

 

Upon arrival, Pol Lt-Col Kitchon Chanyarom and Pol Snr Sgt-Maj Chaiwat Attasophonwattana approached the residence. They were met with gunfire, allegedly from inside the house, resulting in Kitchon’s fatal injury and Chaiwat’s serious wounding. Both were transported to a nearby hospital where Kitchon was later pronounced dead.

 

As the severity of the situation became clear, a SWAT team and additional officers were deployed, cordoning off the area. Negotiations ensued, with officers using a bullhorn to implore Boonma to surrender and release his family.

 

Around 2am, Pol Lt-Gen Thiti Saengsawang, Metropolitan Police commissioner, took charge. Despite intermittent gunfire from the house, the police refrained from returning fire. By 5am, the tension peaked as police launched three stun grenades into the house and stormed it.

 

Inside, Boonma was discovered deceased, though authorities did not reveal the cause of his death. The four hostages, including the injured daughter, were safely rescued. They received medical attention immediately.

 

Lt-Gen Thiti affirmed that the operation adhered strictly to rules of engagement, ensuring minimal harm to the hostages. He also assured full compensation for the family of the deceased officer, Pol Lt-Col Kitchon.

 

Boonma, known to be a gun enthusiast, had an arsenal of weapons, including four pistols and a shotgun. Police and emergency workers had previously encountered difficulties transporting Boonma for mental health treatment due to his aggressive behaviour.

 

The community now mourns the loss of an officer while grappling with the trauma of an unexpected and terrifying night.

 

-- 2024-07-22

 

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[Korat Kiwi]

There are nutters in every country.  Thankfully this one can't do anymore damage. 

 

Condolences to the RTP family. 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

What's wrong with what led up to the fatal shooting and hostage-taking here:

 

"Boonma, who had known mental health issues,"

 

AND

 

"Boonma, known to be a gun enthusiast, had an arsenal of weapons, including four pistols and a shotgun."

 

 

[proton]

The traffic and endless road building on Rama 2 might have contributed to his mental health problems!

[LivinLOS]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Boonma, known to be a gun enthusiast, had an arsenal of weapons, including four pistols and a shotgun. Police and emergency workers had previously encountered difficulties transporting Boonma for mental health treatment due to his aggressive behaviour.

But of course.. 

[hotchilli]

20 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

What's wrong with what led up to the fatal shooting and hostage-taking here:

 

"Boonma, who had known mental health issues,"

 

AND

 

"Boonma, known to be a gun enthusiast, had an arsenal of weapons, including four pistols and a shotgun."

 

 

Lack of communication somewhere .

[CharlieH]

Off topic removed.

[Classic Ray]

In the U.K. gun licensing is very strict and any hint of mental disorder will lead to refusal or suspension of a licence and seizure of any weapons.

 

The system is not foolproof but firearm incidents due to mental disorder are very rare.

 

Maybe RTP could introduce a similar system, but it would need significant enforcement action, that could be a problem.

[soalbundy]

3 hours ago, Classic Ray said:

In the U.K. gun licensing is very strict and any hint of mental disorder will lead to refusal or suspension of a licence and seizure of any weapons.

 

The system is not foolproof but firearm incidents due to mental disorder are very rare.

 

Maybe RTP could introduce a similar system, but it would need significant enforcement action, that could be a problem.

So in the UK the nutters turn to knives.

[ShaneOTraveller]

OMG!! Officer killed what a Intense standoff by the gun keen guy. Shame we dont know how he died