Former Subdistrict Official Killed After Brutal Attack by Gang of Four in Ratchaburi

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A former subdistrict assistant headman was killed in a brutal assault after attending a monk ordination ceremony in Ratchaburi province.

The fatal incident occurred at approximately 00.10 on 27 April at the entrance to Soi 6, Village 3, Ban Rai subdistrict, Damnoen Saduak district. Police from Damnoen Saduak Station, forensic officers, hospital staff, and rescue workers rushed to the scene.

They discovered the body of Mr Ekkarin 36, lying face-up on the road. His head showed severe injuries from blunt force trauma and two gunshot wounds.

Near the scene, officers recovered a .357 calibre bullet and found a holster still strapped to the deceased’s waist, but the firearm itself was missing. It was also reported that another man had been critically wounded by gunfire and had been rushed to Damnoen Saduak Hospital by witnesses.

According to preliminary investigations, Mr Ekkarin, who had resigned from his post but continued supporting local administrative work, had attended the ordination ceremony at a nearby temple. As the event concluded, he walked alone towards his parked vehicle at the mouth of the alley.

Residents reported hearing a loud commotion and emerged to find four young men assaulting Mr Ekkarin. Witnesses then heard multiple gunshots before the assailants fled on motorcycles, leaving Mr Ekkarin lying motionless. It later emerged that one of the attackers had also been injured during the scuffle.

Police believe that during the struggle, Mr Ekkarin may have attempted to draw his own firearm and shot one of the assailants, only for the gun to be wrested away and used against him. He was shot twice in the head and beaten with a blunt object.

The injured assailant has been placed under police guard at the hospital, pending interrogation once his condition improves. Investigators have already identified the suspects involved and will seek arrest warrants from Ratchaburi Provincial Court.

Mr Ekkarin’s body has been sent to Ratchaburi Hospital’s forensic unit for autopsy to extract the bullets for further examination.

Police are continuing their investigations to track down the remaining suspects and to recover the missing firearm.