Police Arrest Fugitive Over Rayong Campus Shooting

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid

Police have arrested a man accused of attempted murder and firearms offences following a violent shooting inside a higher education institution in Rayong province, ending a 17-year manhunt. The suspect was detained in Bangkok on 23 January 2026, bringing renewed attention to a case that had alarmed students and the public at the time of the attack.

The arrest was ordered by Pol Maj Gen Phattanatsak Bupphasuwan, commander of the Crime Suppression Division, and carried out by officers from Sub-Division 2. Pol Col Netiwit Thanasitthitnikul and Pol Lt Col Krapong Wongsalangkarn led the operation that resulted in the capture of Mr Ittipol, aged 37, at a dormitory in the Chomphon area of Chatuchak district.

Mr Ittipol was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Rayong Provincial Court, number 40/2552, dated 14 January 2009. The charges include jointly attempting to kill another person, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, carrying a firearm in a city or public place without permission, and jointly trespassing in a dwelling at night.

The case dates back to 2008, when a confrontation between rival groups of students erupted inside the grounds of a well-known educational institution in Rayong province. The dispute escalated into a shooting, leaving at least one person injured and causing panic among students and nearby residents because the violence occurred on campus.

Following the incident, police from Mueang Rayong Police Station gathered evidence and sought arrest warrants for four suspects believed to be involved. While several were apprehended, Mr Ittipol evaded capture and remained at large for 17 years, allegedly moving locations and waiting for the case to reach its statute of limitations.

Officers from the Crime Suppression Division continued to track the fugitive and recently received information that he was hiding in Bangkok. After confirming his whereabouts, police planned and executed the arrest without incident at the rented accommodation.

Thaitabloid reported that during questioning, Mr Ittipol denied all charges, according to investigators. Police have transferred him to Mueang Rayong Police Station to face legal proceedings, where the case will now continue through the judicial process.

Key Takeaways

• A suspect wanted since 2009 has been arrested in Bangkok over a 2008 campus shooting in Rayong.

• The case involves attempted murder and multiple firearms-related offences, with one victim injured.

• The suspect denied all allegations and has been sent to Rayong for further legal action.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thaitabloid 2026-01-25