Two Flood Officials Shot Dead

[Lite Beer]

Two flood officials shot dead

THE NATION

Two senior flood officials based in Loei, who were assigned to help with relief operations in Bangkok's Sai Mai area, were shot dead yesterday - allegedly by their drunk driver.

Thammanop Akkharaphin was found shot dead in Wat Nong Yai, where a Loei-based company of civilian defence volunteers was camped, while Suphat Phoothronsri, who was also shot shortly after, allegedly by Phitthayakhom Maneewong, succumbed on the way to a hospital.

Phitthayakhom has been taken into custody but was unable to give a statement to police because he was drunk. Quoting eyewitnesses, police said the suspect allegedly first shot Thammanop after a brawl. When onlookers gathered, he tried to divert their attention by saying the shooter had escaped.

However, local people scolded him, he became angry and opened fire on a group of fellow volunteers, hitting Suphat, who eventually succumbed.

Police said Phitthayakhom was often criticised by Thammanop for failing to do his duty as a driver assigned for relief operations. Possibly stressed by a long absence from his home in Loei, the suspect had been drinking. He allegedly shot Thammanop when he showed up and was about to criticise him again.

Meanwhile, a group of residents in Rattanakosin Bicentennial yesterday blocked a section of the Rangsit-Pathum Thani Road in protest against uncollected garbage and alleged demands for extra money by municipal collectors.

The rally resulted in a heavy traffic jam that stretched several kilometres for three hours, before municipality negotiators promised to collect the garbage straight away. The protesters later dispersed.

A 1.7-metre crocodile was killed in Ayutthaya province after a hunt. Villagers said it was the first to be spotted, and killed, while eight others were caught. It was among a large number of reptiles that escaped from a farm during the big flood, they said.

-- The Nation 2011-12-18

[TAWP]

A useless person takes out his uselessness on the people he has a responsibility against. Not uncommon here.

Edited to add: Hope he get to share cell with the crocs.

Edited December 18, 2011 by TAWP

[MEL1]

A useless person takes out his uselessness on the people he has a responsibility against. Not uncommon here.

Edited to add: Hope he get to share cell with the crocs.

So you believe every word you read above then? (Ignoring the 'alledgely' part)

The article finishes with 'crocodile shoes'; an article supposedly serious about this drunk driver.

He wasn't exactly driving a bus in Chiang Mai was he? And subsequently the 'POLICE' arrested him.

Get serious man. This smells worse than a passport issue.

-mel.

[EyesWideOpen]

I always have a certain of amount of amusement every time I see a Thai person carefully instructing a fresh farang that it is very important not to lose your temper in Thailand. That having a cool heart is the correct way to be. Then I read endless news reports of Thais losing their tempers and going crazy with rage. Must be one of those" do as I say, not as I do".......... What a senseless tragedy this shooting is.

[tukkytuktuk]

This is the atmosphere in worst hit flooded areas, people have lost alot, unemployment is high, its about time someone takes charge and helps improve the lives of people there. The shootings are extreme and the minority but the stress, depression and anxiety is a common state of mind for post flood ravaged citizens.

[hellodolly]

It was a sad thing to have happen.

My condolences to their families.

On another point The article says

"Meanwhile, a group of residents in Rattanakosin Bicentennial yesterday blocked a section of the Rangsit-Pathum Thani Road in protest against uncollected garbage and alleged demands for extra money by municipal collectors"

Is the 5,000 Baht the home owners are to receive for them to pay the municipality for doing it's job.

[animatic]

A

1324205497[/url]' post='4920585']

I always have a certain of amount of amusement every time I see a Thai person carefully instructing a fresh farang that it is very important not to lose your temper in Thailand. That having a cool heart is the correct way to be. Then I read endless news reports of Thais losing their tempers and going crazy with rage. Must be one of those" do as I say, not as I do".......... What a senseless tragedy this shooting is.

Actually the cool heart lecture is one of the most kind and logical GIFTS they can give you, knowing you could run into one of these drunken nutters and not understand the situation. Being very drunk is the only time Thais are culturaly allowed to really vent their internalized stresses and be forgiven the next day. A safety valve so to speak. But some take that to chronic levels, and when stresses like repeated dressing downs for drunkeness happens to them they snap totally. Lose of face in exponential doses aimed at a disfunctional mind... Bound to be explosive. So not knowing who might snap on you, better to not lose your temper with anyone.

Edited December 18, 2011 by animatic

[tukkytuktuk]

Some postive news is that in the area I live in klong 2, pathum thani the clean up is in full swing today. There are all sorts of man and machine moving garbage out of the area. People are seeing this happen and are relieved, happy and less stressed. Tragic events are nearly always linked to mental state, we grieve for those who have passed away so tragically but also understand the pressure put apon the shoulders of flood relief workers. Here is a link from the mass communication of Thailand about a week ago, informing Thai citizens of how the clean up will be carried out. Don't stop helping, we will get through this, oh and to those posting negative things about Thais, either shut up and help or go whine in your own country. http://www.mcot.net/cfcustom/cache_page/304972.html

[tukkytuktuk]

Just one more thing to get off my chest is that when it was flooding, to the ones who stayed behind here in the city of angels, put their lives at risk, helped those who were frail, who were stubborn, who were protecting what they possessed, who gave information to millions of us who were waiting anxiously for news, you are our heros. I have heros living down my street and I thanked them and if I can help them like they helped us then I will. Support your fellow neighbours, the smile and how are you? really do help.