Fatal shooting in Samut Prakan after ex-partner confrontation
A confrontation between a former husband and his ex-wife’s new partner resulted in a fatal shooting incident in Samut Prakan yesterday, January 26.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Wut Puttiphanon, the altercation occurred at 10.30pm in front of a house in Phraeksa Mai subdistrict, Mueang district, after the former husband attempted to shoot his ex-wife’s new partner but was shot dead in self-defence.
The scene, a two-storey house with a parking area, was where 42 year old Somkiat was found critically injured. He had sustained three gunshot wounds: one to the chest, one to the right arm, and another to the left wrist.
Emergency personnel attempted CPR before transporting him to Paolo Samut Prakan Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A 9mm semi-automatic pistol was discovered on the scene, along with six spent shell casings and two bullets. Police secured the area to allow for evidence collection, while the gunman fled the scene.
Rescue worker Watcharapong Khaengkhan recounted arriving to find Somkiat lying in front of the house with no pulse, prompting immediate CPR. Watcharapong noted the victim had argued with the other party, leading to the shooting.
Fatal shooting
Neighbour Sorot, who was working nearby, initially mistook the gunshots for firecrackers, a common sound during local festivals. He realised the severity of the incident only after hearing screams approximately three minutes later.
Around midnight, 29 year old Thitiwat contacted the police to surrender. He was picked up by Police Colonel Nopadon Changruen and brought back to the scene. Thitiwat’s fleeing vehicle, a Toyota Altis registered in Bangkok, was later searched, uncovering another 9mm semi-automatic pistol with two bullets.
Initial investigations revealed Thitiwat admitted to shooting his girlfriend’s ex-husband in self-defence. He claimed the altercation began when Somkiat approached them with a gun, prompting Thitiwat to retrieve his weapon from his car and fire in response. Thitiwat expressed shock and fled but decided to turn himself in.
Police confirmed the man, Somkiat, was the ex-husband of 40 year old Juthaporn, the house owner. They had ended their relationship over a month ago. Witnesses confirmed the identity of both the victim and the gunman, explaining that Thitiwat, the new partner, had only recently started dating Juthaporn.
Police are reviewing surveillance footage and gathering further evidence to verify claims that Somkiat attempted to shoot first. Both firearms involved in the incident were legally owned, with the gunman firing six shots during the ordeal, reported KhaoSod.
Thitiwat faces charges of intentional manslaughter, possession of a firearm, and discharging a weapon in public. Legal proceedings are underway as the investigation continues.
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