Chaiyaphum shooting spree ends in arrest after tense standoff

A man went on a shooting rampage, seriously wounding another individual, leading to a tense standoff with the Thai special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team. Several weapons and over 300 rounds of ammunition were found, resulting in two serious charges.

Yesterday, October 8, the Chaiyaphum City Police Station received a report of a man shooting at civilians, injuring one person in Moo 10, Ban Lao subdistrict, Mueang district, Chaiyaphum province. The special operations unit, SWAT, and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene.

The incident occurred in two locations. The first location, a teacher’s residence at a local school in Ban Lao, was where the injured victim, 24 year old Piradon Saen-ngo, was found. He had been shot in the lower intestine and required immediate surgery.

The second location, about 100 metres behind the school, was where the gunman was hiding. It was identified that the gunman was firing from the second floor of a house. Police surrounded the area to capture the suspect, who was still inside the house.

The suspect was identified as 34 year old Palangrat Pornphumpuang. Given the likelihood that he was heavily armed, the officers planned their approach meticulously. During the standoff, Palangrat’s mother was moved to a safe location and briefed on the situation.

After nearly three hours of negotiation with no sign of Palangrat surrendering, his mother was brought in to help persuade him, but this effort proved unsuccessful. The decision was made to storm the house and apprehend him. Once inside, officers detained Palangrat and took him to Chaiyaphum City Police Station for further questioning.

Chaiyaphum shooting

Investigators found the rifle used in the attack, a CZ-455. A search of the house revealed a substantial cache of weapons, including two handguns, two rifles, a combination rifle handgun, a firearm scope, a silencer, over 300 rounds of ammunition, and three bulletproof vests.

Palangrat’s mother explained that her son had been under severe stress due to work-related issues. He had been acquitted in a drug case and was set to return to work, but he needed approval from the relevant police. However, the village head and associated officials refused to sign off due to Palangrat’s history with drugs, leading to his frustration and subsequent actions.

Anan Nakniyom, Governor of Chaiyaphum Province, and Police Major General Rapeepong Sukhpaiboon, Deputy Commissioner of Region 3 Police, held a press conference regarding the arrest. They announced that Palangrat faces two major charges: attempted murder and possession of firearms, reported KhaoSod.

The investigation into his possible involvement with drugs is ongoing, and military authorities will be contacted to ensure legal proceedings are followed.