Crime Soldier Found After Shooting at Two Civilians in Surin

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

The Royal Thai Army has confirmed that a soldier suspected of shooting at two civilians in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province, in the early hours of 15 August, has been located.

 

At 00:45, troops from the 1623rd Infantry Company heard ten gunshots near a road beside Wat Ban Khuean Kaew temple, followed by two more shots at 00:54. A check of personnel and weapons revealed that Private Ratthaphum Thepsiri had left his post without permission, taking a M16 rifle and ammunition.

 

Two civilians were injured in the incident. Anuwat Singchai, 32, suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, that pierced his right lung. He was transferred from Kab Choeng Hospital to Surin Hospital in serious condition but remained conscious. Wutthana Naprakon, 35, sustained minor injuries from glass fragments to his left foot. Both men are now out of danger.

 

Police and military personnel immediately launched an investigation, interviewing witnesses and securing the scene. The Royal Thai Army’s official Facebook page “Royal Thai Army – Real Time” posted at 08:00 that the soldier had been found.

 

The motive for the shooting remains unclear. Authorities are continuing their inquiries into the events leading up to the attack.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-08-15

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Soldier Takes His Own Life to Avoid Arrest

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

The body of a soldier who opened fire on local residents in Surin province in the early hours of 15 August, has been found in nearby woodland. Authorities believe he took his own life to avoid facing justice.

 

Private Ratthaphum Thepsiri, of the 1623rd Infantry Company, left his post without permission late night, armed with an assault rifle and ammunition. He allegedly opened fire on villagers near Wat Ban Khuean Kaew in Kab Choeng district, injuring two people, before fleeing into the forest.

 

Security forces launched an intensive manhunt throughout the night. The discovery was confirmed by the “Army Military Force” Facebook page, which reported: “Urgent: Body of distressed soldier found after self-harm to evade arrest. Police and relevant agencies have cordoned off the scene, awaiting forensic officers and medical staff.”

 

A local security source said the body was found not far from the shooting site. Preliminary investigations suggest the soldier died by suicide, from the same M16 used in the earlier shootings.

 

The Royal Thai Army has yet to issue a full official statement pending the results of the forensic examination.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-08-15