Gunman on Drugs Shot Dead After Shootout with Police in Suphan Buri

Picture courtesy of Amarin

A drug-fuelled gunman was fatally shot by police in a dramatic daylight shootout in Suphan Buri province on the afternoon of 24 May, leaving two police officers injured.

At approximately 12:10, officers from Sam Chuk Police Station were alerted to reports of a man brandishing a firearm and threatening locals in the Bang Khwak Market, Moo 6, Sam Chuk Subdistrict. The suspect, later identified as Mr. Thawatchai Sukrak, 29, fled the scene on a motorcycle, heading toward Rajamangala University of Technology’s Suphan Buri campus.

Responding to the call were Pol.Sub.Lt. Som Phatthamanee, head of the Yan Yao patrol unit, and Pol.Sub.Lt. Arthit Sombunkit. They gave chase but were met with gunfire from the suspect, who struck Officer Som in the left shoulder and Officer Arthit in the right leg.

In response, police returned fire, hitting Mr. Thawatchai in the chest. Despite being wounded, he managed to flee through Bang Khwak Market, where he was later found collapsed on the roadside. Officers apprehended him and rushed him to Sam Chuk Hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Investigators at the scenes recovered a 9mm handgun with three live rounds in the magazine and four spent shell casings. Bloodstains were found at multiple locations and a police vehicle was damaged, with one tyre shot out.

Eyewitness Mrs. Supannee Khemphet, the owner of a nearby motorcycle shop, described the terrifying moments. “At first, I thought it was just a tyre bursting, but the sound was too loud. Then one of the shop boys ran inside saying they were shooting. I ran upstairs and looked out the window, there were police officers running and many gunshots. I was so scared.”

The suspect’s mother later confirmed that her son had long struggled with drug addiction. “He didn’t have a job. This happened because of drugs. I don’t blame the police. He had stolen the gun used in the shooting, its owner had only just reported it stolen an hour before.”

Authorities are continuing their investigation while both injured officers are recovering in hospital. Police have praised their swift response and vowed to review security procedures.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-25.