Policeman shot dead on duty in central Thailand

A group of teenagers on motorbikes fatally shot a policeman on duty in Pathum Thani province, central Thailand, in the early hours of yesterday morning. One 18 year old man admits to firing a gun in the direction of the policeman, but isn’t sure if it was the shot that killed him.

Commander-in-chief Anan Orsuwan went to Soi Erawan 12 in Khlong Song district late Monday night after receiving a report that a group of teenagers were threatening residents with guns and throwing homemade ping pong bombs at people trying to enter the alley.

By the time Anan arrived, the group had moved out of the alley and crossed over a nearby canal. The teenagers – aged between 15 to 18 years old – fired shots at Anan from across the canal, killing him at around 1am yesterday morning.

Police went to the scene to collect evidence and found seven bullet casings lying in front of a food store opposite Soi Erawan 12.

CCTV footage captured nearly 20 assailants riding on motorbikes, 3 of which used guns to fire shots into the alley at the policeman.

According to a Facebook post, the teenagers had a problem with a young man who lives in the alley, which is why they went to cause a scene, armed with guns. The Facebook post helped police to track down suspects.

Police tracked down the young men and took them to Khlong Luang Police Station for questioning. Police seized 17 motorbikes in total.

One 18 year old man confessed to using a gun to shoot into the alley. However, he said he doesn’t know if it was the shot that killed the policeman.

Police are preparing to prosecute the young men for both the death of the policeman and for charges related to carrying and using firearms.

SOURCE: CH7