Eight Arrested After Teen Lured and Killed in Gun Robbery Plot in Pathum Thani

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Thai police have arrested eight suspects involved in the brutal murder of a 17-year-old boy, who was lured to his death in a plot to steal a firearm during a staged sale. The killing took place in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani and has sparked public outrage, with grieving relatives attempting to attack the suspects during their transfer to police custody.

The incident occurred on the evening of 18 July, when the victim, identified only as Reep, was shot dead on a road between Khlong L1 and Khlong 2 near Soi Bongkot 50. He had arranged to meet the suspects to sell a firearm, but was ambushed instead. A group of 8 men, travelling in a white box pickup truck, cut off his motorcycle before opening fire and stealing the weapon.

Following an intensive investigation, police from Khlong Luang Police Station, under the supervision of Provincial Police Region 1 commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Yuttana Jonkhun, arrested the primary suspect, 20-year-old Peerapat, under a warrant issued by Thanyaburi Provincial Court. He has been charged murder, armed robbery and using a vehicle in the commission of a crime resulting in death.

Other suspects include two 18-year-olds, known as Klik and Wit, as well as three juvenile males aged 12, 14 and 16. Authorities also apprehended 21-year-old Phongsathorn the driver of the box pickup truck. Weapons seized during the operation included a magazine-fed handgun, a revolver with ammunition and a bayonet-style knife.

During the transfer of Klik and Wit into the Khlong Luang Police Station, chaos erupted as over 30 of the victim’s relatives stormed the area, attempting to physically assault the suspects. They shouted abuse, hurled shoes and tried to kick the accused before officers quickly intervened and escorted the suspects into the investigation room.

Peerapat, a conscripted soldier in the Royal Thai Armed Forces, admitted during questioning that he had previously attempted to buy a gun from the victim but claimed the deal fell through. He contacted the victim again under the pretence of purchasing a gun. He admitted he had no intention of paying and had planned the attack in advance.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Yuttana confirmed that all eight suspects are now in custody. They have been informed of the charges and will face legal proceedings in accordance with the law. 
 

Related article:
 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1367230-teenager-gunned-down-in-mysterious-attack-by-armed-gang-in-pathum-thani/

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-21