Thai man arrested in Bangkok for firing gun while on meth
Police officers stormed a residence to arrest a drug-addled man who had been firing a gun from his apartment. The incident occurred in the Pom Prap Sattru Phai district of Bangkok, following a tip-off from a concerned citizen.
The man in question, 33 year old Sombat from Chumphon, was apprehended on charges of possessing an unlicenced firearm, discharging a firearm in a populated area, and possessing and using a Schedule 1 drug, crystal methamphetamine or Ice. The arrest was executed by a team led by Police Colonel Samart Phromchat, alongside other high-ranking officers.
Police confiscated a homemade .38mm handgun, two rounds of ammunition, and one spent shell casing. Additionally, 0.4 gramme of methamphetamine (meth), found in a clear plastic bag, was also seized. The suspect’s urine test, conducted at the Central Hospital, returned positive for meth.
The dramatic arrest unfolded yesterday, October 15, at around 12.30pm. Police were alerted by a neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, reporting a man behaving erratically with a firearm inside his apartment. Upon arrival, the police found Sombat loudly causing a disturbance on his balcony, brandishing a gun.
The officers identified themselves and attempted to calm Sombat. However, he fired a shot inside his room, prompting the police to break in with the help of the apartment’s management. Sombat was subsequently subdued and arrested.
A thorough search of Sombat revealed the meth concealed in a small pocket of his jeans. The police also found additional ammunition on the balcony. After his arrest, Sombat was transported to the Phlapphla Chai 2 Police Station for further questioning and to undergo a drug test, a police spokesperson confirmed.
“His urine test confirmed the presence of meth.”
The urine test led to further testing at the Central Hospital, which corroborated the initial results.
Sombat now faces multiple charges, including illegal possession of a firearm, discharging a firearm in a public area, and possession and use of meth. The police have handed him over to investigators at the Phlapphla Chai 2 Police Station to proceed with the legal process.
Police urged the public to continue reporting suspicious activities to help maintain safety and order in the community. The police also reminded individuals about the severe legal consequences of drug use and illegal firearm possession, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is community vigilance crucial in preventing incidents like Sombat’s arrest?
Community vigilance helps identify and report suspicious activities early, allowing authorities to act swiftly and prevent potential dangers.
How do illegal firearms contribute to urban crime rates?
Illegal firearms increase the potential for violence and escalate conflicts, posing significant risks to public safety in urban areas.
What if the police had not intervened in Sombat’s situation promptly?
Delayed intervention could have led to severe consequences, including potential harm to bystanders and further escalation of the incident.
How does methamphetamine use influence irrational and dangerous behaviour?
Methamphetamine affects the brain’s chemistry, often leading to aggressive, erratic, and potentially violent actions, as seen in Sombat’s case.
What are the broader implications of this incident for public safety policies in Bangkok?
This incident highlights the need for stringent enforcement of drug and firearm laws and the importance of community-police collaboration for effective crime prevention.
