Man arrested for shooting ex-wife’s house amid legal dispute

A man has been arrested after allegedly shooting at his ex-wife’s house amid ongoing legal disputes following their divorce. He admitted to the crime, stating he was drunk and stressed by his ex-wife’s threats and legal actions against him.

Police apprehended 37 year old Sopon at a factory in the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Chon Buri. Officers, including Deputy Superintendent Kornpong Sookvisith and Inspector Wuttipong Kasa from Bang Lamung Police Station, led the investigation.

Sopon confessed to using a 9-millimetre semi-automatic pistol to shoot at his ex-wife’s house. Police recovered the weapon, loaded with three bullets, from a residence about 5 kilometres from the crime scene in Takhiantia, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri.

Sopon explained that he acted out of drunkenness and stress. Since their separation, his ex-wife, 45 year old Thanaporn, had been threatening to sue him for various issues, including an affair and financial disputes involving 400,000 baht (US$11,350) from the division of marital assets.

Sopon had agreed to pay 8,000 baht (US$230) monthly but could not keep up with the payments. Their latest argument occurred when Sopon discovered Thanaporn had gone to a restaurant bar to gather evidence for her lawsuit. When she refused to speak with him, he drank to relieve stress and, in a fit of rage, decided to shoot at her house.

“I was drunk and stressed when I found out she was gathering evidence against me. I just lost control and shot at her house to vent my frustration.”

Police have charged Sopon with violations of the Firearms Act and discharging a firearm in public. They are also collecting evidence to charge him with intimidation and property damage.

Thanaporn expressed relief at Sopon’s arrest and hoped he would face severe consequences. She stated that she might forgo the debt if he is imprisoned, as her primary concern is the safety of herself and her 17 year old son, reported KhaoSod.

“I’m glad the police caught him. I just want to feel safe with my son without living in constant fear.”

Since their divorce, Thanaporn has claimed that Sopon has repeatedly threatened her and her son. She is determined to see the legal process through to ensure their safety.