Gunman Fires at Police During Stop-&-Search in Chiang Mai

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Police in Chiang Mai are hunting a gunman who opened fire on an officer during a stop-and-search in San Kamphaeng district on 27 January 2026, narrowly missing the officer before fleeing the scene. Authorities have confirmed they are pursuing attempted murder charges after the suspect escaped on foot and abandoned his motorcycle.

The incident occurred at about 19:00 on an internal village road in Ban Rai Phatthana, Moo 8, Mae Pu Kha subdistrict, San Kamphaeng district. The officer involved was uninjured, and no other casualties were reported.

According to police, Pol. L/Cpl. Apiwat Mala, 27, a motorcycle patrol officer with San Kamphaeng police, was conducting a routine patrol when he noticed a suspicious man parked by the roadside on a motorcycle. The officer approached to carry out a stop-and-search after observing behaviour deemed unusual.

As Pol. L/Cpl. Apiwat attempted to conduct the check, the suspect drew a handgun of unknown type and calibre and fired. The officer was able to evade the shots and returned fire once with his service pistol in self-defence. No injuries were reported on either side during the exchange of gunfire. The suspect then fled on foot into the darkness, leaving the motorcycle behind at the scene.

San Kamphaeng police and investigators later examined the area and recovered three 9 mm shell casings. The abandoned motorcycle was seized as evidence and police confirmed they are seeking the suspect on a charge of attempted murder of an officer on duty.

At 11:00 on 28 January 2026, Pol. Col. Suromon Chalermchan, superintendent of San Kamphaeng police, said the incident had been formally reported up the chain of command. Senior officers were immediately mobilised to oversee the investigation.

Lt. Gen. Kittaphon Yeesakorn, commander of Provincial Police Region 5, ordered Maj. Gen. Thawatchai Phongwivattanachai, deputy regional commander, to personally oversee the case. Chiang Mai provincial police commander Maj. Gen. Yutthana Kaenchan also assigned Col. Damnoen Kan-ong, deputy provincial commander, to supervise the investigation.

Investigative teams from Provincial Police Region 5, Chiang Mai provincial police and San Kamphaeng police station are continuing an intensive manhunt for the suspect. Police said efforts are focused on identifying the gunman and expediting the issuance of an arrest warrant. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to track leads and gather evidence.

Key Takeaways

• A gunman fired at a police officer during a stop-and-search in San Kamphaeng district on 27 January 2026.

• The officer escaped unharmed, returned fire once, and the suspect fled on foot, abandoning a motorcycle.

• Senior regional and provincial police commanders have taken direct oversight of the investigation.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-29