2 e-cigarette vendors surrender after shooting 2 police in Pathum Thani
Suspects claim they mistook police for rivals, setting a trap to attack them
Two e-cigarette vendors surrendered to police at Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station in the central province of Pathum Thani after shooting two police officers during a sting operation on Sunday, June 29.
The 28 year old Police Sergeant Autsanai Rueangsai posed as a parcel delivery rider to buy an e-cigarette from the primary suspect, 35 year old Naphontorn “Toon” Fakfueangboon. They then arranged to meet outside a convenience store in the Bang Poon sub-district of Pathum Thani on Sunday.
Naphontorn arrived at the meeting point with his associate, 39 year old Sorrasak “Deer” Janbailek. The pair repeatedly appeared to realise Autsanai’s true identity, which led to the shooting.
Autsanai was shot in the leg and arm, while a volunteer police officer, 42 year old Apichai Chuenjai, sustained a gunshot wound to the private part when he attempted to assist Autsanai.
The suspects fled the scene in a grey sedan. Police officers opened fire on the vehicle, aiming at the wheels, but were unable to stop it. The car was found abandoned at a garage in the Don Mueang area of Bangkok.
The families of Naphontorn and Sorrasak later contacted officers at Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station to inform them that the two suspects intended to surrender. Police collected the pair at a public park in Nonthaburi province and brought them in for questioning.
The suspects claimed they were unaware that Autsanai and Apichai were police officers. They alleged they believed the men worked for former rivals who had set up the e-cigarette delivery as a ruse to assault them.
Naphontorn admitted that it was Sorrasak who fired at the officers. Upon learning the victims were police, they decided to turn themselves in.
According to ThaiRath, both suspects have a lengthy criminal history involving drugs and illegal weapons. Naphontorn had previously been arrested and imprisoned on drug charges before being released and attempting to reinvent himself as a YouTuber, sharing stories about life behind bars.
The two men have initially been charged with attempted murder of on-duty officers, an offence that could carry the death penalty under Section 289 of the Criminal Law. Additional charges related to firearms possession and illegal e-cigarette sales are being considered.
Latest Thailand News
Follow The Thaiger on Google News:
