Bank Worker Shot Dead by Close Friend After Drunken Argument in Nonthaburi

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

A 39-year-old bank employee was fatally shot by a close friend following a heated argument during a night of drinking in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. The shocking incident, which occurred in the early hours of 3 May, has left the local community reeling.

Police from Pak Kret Station responded to a call at approximately 01:00 regarding a fatal shooting in a vehicle in Soi Tonsorn 15, Pak Kret District. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the body of Mr. Weerawat Sakajan, known as “Noom”, slumped in the driver’s seat of a black Haval Jolion. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, six to the right side of his torso and two to his right arm. Bullet casings were found inside and around the vehicle.

Witnesses reported that the suspect, 41-year-old Mr. Sitthiphong, known as “Max”, had earlier been drinking with the victim and a group of friends at a bar along the Pak Kret bypass road. An argument reportedly broke out when the suspect asked the victim to continue drinking elsewhere, which the latter declined. The dispute escalated into a fistfight outside the bar, during which Mr. Sitthiphong suffered a facial injury.

Following the altercation, the victim left in his car, only to be pursued by Mr. Sitthiphong, who was driving a white Honda Civic. The suspect allegedly rammed the back of the victim’s vehicle before getting out and opening fire, killing Mr. Weerawat instantly.

A bystander, Mr. Atthaphon, 28, said he heard 7–8 gunshots while sitting with friends near the entrance to the soi. He saw the suspect’s damaged vehicle speed away before attempting to follow it on a motorcycle, but lost track of the car.

Ms. Naw, 30, a bank colleague of the victim, confirmed that the two men were close friends who often socialised together. “They had been drinking and arguing, but I never imagined it would end like this. They were like brothers,” she said, adding that the cause of the fight did not appear to involve a romantic dispute.

Volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation arrived at the scene to find the victim unresponsive. Attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Forensic examiners later counted a total of 13 bullet wounds and recovered 18 shell casings and two bullets at the scene.

Police have questioned several friends who were with the victim earlier in the evening and are examining CCTV footage along suspected escape routes. The suspect remains at large, and investigators are working to determine whether the motive was solely the argument at the bar or if other factors were involved.

The body of Mr. Weerawat was sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for autopsy.

Later, at 14:00 on May 3, the police officers of Investigation Division 1 under the direction of Pol. Maj. Gen. Worachat Saenkam, Commander of Investigation Division 1, Pol. Col. Prathan Nantkobkun, Deputy Commander of Investigation Division 1, led by Pol. Col. Poonsuk Techaprasitphon, Commander of Investigation Division 1, Investigation Division 1, together with the investigation officers of Dem Bang Nang Buat Police Station arrested Mr. Sitthiphong Singhan, or Max, age 41, the perpetrator according to the arrest warrant of the Nonthaburi Provincial Court No. 614/2568 dated May 3. 

The arrest was made in front of the Nang Buat Resort Hotel, Tambon Nang Buat, Amphoe Dem Bang Nang Buat, Suphan Buri Province, while the perpetrator's father was about to pick up the perpetrator. The charges were murder, possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a firearm in a public area without permission. The suspect remains in police custody.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-04.