Crime Gunfire in Nonthaburi: Former Village Headman Targeted in Drive-By Shooting

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A shooting incident unfolded in Nonthaburi on the night of 20 May, as a former village headman and prospective candidate for local government narrowly escaped death in what appears to be a politically motivated attack.

 

At approximately 21:00, Mr. Suchart Kaewpradit 61, reported to Bang Sri Muang Police Station that he had been the target of a shooting while driving his white Toyota Yaris along Ratchaphruek Road. Mr. Suchart had just left a funeral for a former village headman at Wat Sing Thong in Pak Kret District and was en route home.

 

As he turned left onto Rattanathibet Road, near the Bang Rak Noi MRT station, gunshots rang out. Four shots were fired in rapid succession, one of which struck the driver’s side door of Mr. Suchart’s vehicle. In fear for his life, he immediately steered into a nearby petrol station to escape further danger. From there, he proceeded to the police station to report the incident.

 

Police inspections confirmed a bullet hole in the driver’s side door. Fortunately, Mr. Suchart was unharmed. Forensic investigators were called to examine the car and recovered a bullet lodged inside the door. The type of firearm used is currently under investigation.

 

Mr. Suchart stated that he had no known personal conflicts and has always maintained a peaceful relationship with local residents during his tenure as headman of Bang Rak Noi Subdistrict. However, he did mention an unusual occurrence before the incident: “Just as I was about to leave the temple, someone shouted, ‘Did the headman change cars?’ I looked around but couldn’t see who said it.”

 

He dismissed the possibility of a road rage incident, noting that traffic was orderly and other vehicles were travelling normally. While uncertain of the motive, he acknowledged that he is preparing to run for the position of Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) chairman later this year, with elections expected in six months.

 

“The attack came without warning. If the shot had been slightly higher, it might have hit me,” he said. “I have no idea who would want to harm me. I’ve always worked to help the community.”

 

The police have impounded Mr. Suchart’s vehicle for further forensic analysis and are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the assailant. Investigators are working to determine whether the attack was politically motivated or linked to another cause.

 

The case has raised alarm in the local political landscape, underscoring tensions ahead of the upcoming SAO elections. Police have vowed to bring the perpetrator to justice.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-22.

 

 

 

[phil2407]

Wonder if insurance cover bullet holes & if the car impounded does he get a courtesy car?