Crime Forest Ranger in Chiang Mai Goes on Shooting Rampage, Injures Colleagues

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Panic broke out at a forest ranger outpost in Chiang Mai’s Chiang Dao district after a ranger opened fire on his colleagues, injuring two, before being shot and apprehended by police. Fellow officers suspect the shooter may have been suffering from hallucinations brought on by alcohol or drugs.

 

The incident occurred on 14 May at the Phatang Forest Protection Unit, located within the Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. Officers from Chiang Dao Police Station responded to reports of a shooting at the ranger station following an emergency call from the site’s radio unit.

 

Two people were injured in the incident: Mr. Pichet, 39, head of the Phatang unit, was shot in the left shin, while Mr. Chawalit, 40, another ranger, was shot in the foot and toes. Both were quickly rushed to Chiang Dao Hospital by colleagues.

 

The suspected gunman, Mr. Sathaporn 36, was found at the scene in a dazed, incoherent state, armed and attempting to flee into the forest. Police attempted to approach and subdue him, but when he raised his weapon in resistance, officers shot him once in the side in self-defence. The bullet passed through his torso, and he was immediately taken to Chiang Dao Hospital for treatment.

 

Initial investigations revealed that Mr. Sathaporn had returned from a night patrol earlier that morning and was later seen consuming alcohol at the checkpoint shelter. When other officers arrived for duty handover, they noticed him drinking but did not intervene.

 

Without warning, Mr. Sathaporn allegedly pulled out his pistol and began firing at his colleagues, approximately six or seven shot, striking two people. Witnesses said he appeared drunk and muttered to himself before opening fire. As others scrambled for cover, the gunman stayed at the scene, showing no intent to escape.

 

Police have seized the weapon and ammunition used in the shooting and are continuing their investigation to determine the exact motive behind the attack.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-15.