Tragic Turn as Thai Police Officer Slits Throat After Gold Theft Arrest

Photo via Facebook/ จึงจริง Jung Jing

In a shocking incident, a Thai police officer attempted to take his own life at Na Yong Police Station in Trang province after being implicated in a robbery. The incident unfolded on 7th May when the officer, identified as 46-year-old Police Senior Sergeant Major Teerayuth, was confronted by his colleagues following his alleged involvement in the theft of a gold necklace from a food vendor.

The theft occurred on 3rd May, when 34-year-old vendor Pornpimon reported her necklace, worth over 100,000 baht, stolen by a man posing as a customer. The thief arrived at her stall on a red and black motorcycle, threatened her with what appeared to be a gun, and demanded the necklace, which Pornpimon surrendered for her safety.

Security footage along Napod–Yan Ta Khao Road led investigators to Teerayuth, an officer from Had Samran Police Station. Evidence indicated he had sold the stolen necklace at a local gold shop.

To prevent his escape, officers conducted a covert operation, leading to an arrest warrant for Teerayuth. As ten officers approached him on duty at the station, Teerayuth fled to the radio communication room, where he attempted suicide by slitting his throat with a knife.

Teerayuth's colleagues provided immediate first aid, and he was rushed to Had Samran Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition requiring close medical attention.

Reports indicate that Teerayuth had financial troubles and a history of drug use. He had been transferred from Yan Ta Khao Police Station to Had Samran only 10 days before the incident.

Teerayuth faces two charges:

1. Section 339 of the Criminal Code: Involving the use of violence or threats to commit theft or facilitate escape, with penalties ranging from five to ten years’ imprisonment and fines between 100,000 to 200,000 baht.
2. Section 8 of the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and Imitation Firearms Act: For illegally carrying a firearm in a public place, carrying potential penalties of up to five years' imprisonment, fines up to 10,000 baht, or both.

This tragic incident has brought to light serious issues within the ranks of law enforcement, including misconduct and personal struggles of officers, prompting a call for closer internal scrutiny and support systems for police personnel.

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-08