CIB Arrests Suspect in M16 Shootings at Village Home

Picture courtesy of CIB

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested a suspect linked to a violent twin shooting incident in Kantang district, Trang province. The suspect, Mr Veerapong, faces charges including attempted murder and illegal possession and discharge of a firearm. The arrest took place at Thung Song railway junction, Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

The case began when Kantang police received reports that an assailant had fired an M16 rifle at the metal gate and interior of a house in Moo 1, Khlong Lu subdistrict. The attack occurred over two consecutive nights, with the second involving approximately ten shots fired from a parked car. Police recovered nine 5.56mm cartridge cases at the scene, but no injuries were reported.

Investigations identified two suspects: Mr Kittiwat and Mr Veerapong. Evidence suggested they acted in connection with collecting drug-related debts. Mr Veerapong was contacted by Mr Kittiwat to assist in driving the vehicle used for the attacks. Authorities obtained arrest warrants and apprehended Mr Kittiwat previously and later tracked Mr Veerapong’s movements.

Police from Division 5 of the CIB discovered that Mr Veerapong was attempting to flee to Bangkok via the Trang–Bangkok express train. Officers intercepted and arrested him at Thung Song railway junction. Mr Veerapong was transferred to Khok Yang police station for legal proceedings.

Records show Mr Veerapong previously served time for attempted murder in Thung Thong district, Phuket province, in 2016 and was released around five years ago. Mr Kittiwat has a history of similar offences across police jurisdictions in Regions 8 and 9. The arrests were conducted under the direction of Pol Gen Jiraphop Puridet, Commissioner of the CIB, and senior officers of the Crime Suppression Division.

Police continue to investigate the broader network and motives behind the shootings, with authorities stressing the seriousness of armed violence linked to organised debt collection. Further charges and arrests are possible as enquiries proceed.

[Insert video here if available]

Key Takeaways

• CIB has arrested a suspect in connection with two nights of M16 rifle fire at a house in Trang province.

• The suspect faces multiple charges including attempted premeditated murder and illegal possession of firearms.

• Police have linked the attacks to drug-related debt collection and are continuing their investigation.

Related stories

CIB-arrests-fugitive-gunman-after-14-years-on-the-run

CIB-launches-ai-day-2025-to-boost-police-efficiency

  Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-09-27