Gunman surrenders after Ratchaburi restaurant shooting injures four
Unlicensed venue under fire as police crack down on safety and legal violations
A gunman has surrendered following a shooting incident at a well-known restaurant in Mueang Photharam, Ratchaburi, resulting in four injuries: three men and one woman.
The provincial police chief has expressed concern over people claiming connections to influential figures, prompting a proposal to close the establishment.
The event occurred yesterday, April 30, at Slam restaurant, located in Moo 9, Ban Luak subdistrict, Photharam district, Ratchaburi province. The injured people were identified as 32 year old Kittichanin, 28 year old Anong, 48 year old Manat, and 27 year old Chaloemphong.
All were hospitalised at Ratchaburi Hospital and reported to be in stable condition, with some discharged to recuperate at home.
Police Colonel Wachirapong Amornapitak, the Ratchaburi provincial police commander, convened a meeting to expedite the capture of the suspect. The investigation revealed the gunman as 36 year old Thanakrit, a resident of Bang Phae district, Ratchaburi.
The shooting stemmed from a previous conflict between the parties, which reignited upon their chance encounter at the venue.
The restaurant in question lacks a business operation licence but holds a licence to sell alcohol. The gunman, who acted alone, used a .380 calibre firearm, which was not detected as the establishment is a restaurant, not a nightclub.
Police have consistently instructed police to inspect all restaurants, despite occasional oversight. The establishment had been previously searched for drugs, with no illegal substances found.
Thanakrit often boasts connections to powerful people, a claim that police refuse to tolerate in Ratchaburi. A request has been made to Photharam district to close the restaurant due to its lack of a business licence.
At 2pm, Thanakrit, accompanied by his lawyer, surrendered to the police. Officials interrogated him for over an hour before escorting him to retrieve the firearm from his residence. He was then returned for further questioning and charged, pending court proceedings, reported KhaoSod.
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