Man Shot Dead by Police After Attacking Village Head with Machete in Nakhon Si Thammarat

Picture from responders.

A 57-year-old man was shot dead by police in Thung Song district after attacking a village headman with a machete during a violent rampage on the 19 February.

The incident occurred at around midday in Moo 13, Nong Hong subdistrict, where officers from Thung Song Police Station were called to intervene after reports that a man, identified as Mr. Adisak, was attacking people on the street outside his home.

According to authorities, Mr. Adisak was in a drug-induced frenzy, wielding a machete and threatening passersby. Village headman Mr. Piya Kaewkhumpai, along with local officials and police, arrived at the scene in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

During negotiations, Mr. Adisak brandished his weapon aggressively and refused to surrender. As officers tried to subdue him using a restraining device, he resisted violently and slashed Mr. Piya’s left arm, causing a severe wound. The injured headman was rushed to Thung Song Hospital in critical condition.

With the situation escalating, officers withdrew and attempted to reason with Mr. Adisak, but he continued to charge at them with the machete. As he advanced towards Police Senior Sergeant Major Pitaksan Aranyapruek, the officer, fearing for his life, fired a single shot to the suspect’s torso, killing him.

Following the fatal shooting, Thung Song district officials, forensic investigators, prosecutors, and medical examiners arrived at the scene to conduct a formal inquiry. The case will proceed according to legal procedures.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, while the injured village headman remains under medical care.

-- 2025-02-20