Bangkok SWAT team captures notorious gunman hiding in ceiling

A raid by the SWAT team from Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police Division 3 led to the capture of a notorious gunman, who attempted to evade arrest by hiding in the ceiling. The incident took place yesterday, July 15, during a targeted operation aimed at cracking down on firearm and drug-related offences.

The raid was part of the Save Khu Khwa campaign, focusing on individuals suspected of possessing firearms and being involved in drug activities in the Khu Khwa area.

The team, armed with a search warrant from the Min Buri Criminal Court, converged on a house in Saen Saep subdistrict, Min Buri district, Bangkok. Upon arrival, the residents refused to open the door, prompting the police to use a loudspeaker to announce their presence. Several individuals attempted to flee but were blocked by officers stationed at the back of the house.

Inside, the police discovered ketamine being flushed down a toilet, although not all of it dissolved. They managed to seize some of the drugs, along with several more packets found scattered in the room. The officers also noticed movements from within the ceiling.

The Bangkok SWAT team decided to use tear gas to force the suspect out of hiding after assessing the risks of a confrontation in the dark. Once permission was granted, the tear gas was deployed, causing the suspect to kick through the ceiling and attempt to escape through the front of the house. The police quickly apprehended the individual, identified as 32 year old Tanongsak.

He was wanted on charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and carrying weapons in public without a valid reason, as per the arrest warrant issued by the Min Buri Criminal Court on December 1, 2022.

Ketamine distribution

Additionally, 28 year old Chakrapong was arrested with three bags of ketamine weighing approximately 18 grammes and 60 small bags intended for distribution.

Tanongsak, also known as Noi Pathiu had previously made headlines on September 23, 2022, when he fired four shots at a car belonging to a flight attendant. The incident was triggered by the victim flashing her high beams and honking at him. Following the attack, the victim reported the incident to the Min Buri Police, who identified Tanongsak as the suspect and secured an arrest warrant.

Another incident involving Tanongsak occurred on July 5, this year. Police received reports of a man brandishing a firearm and threatening others at a motorcycle repair shop. The shop owner recounted that three men arrived in a car and a pickup truck to inquire about a delayed repair on a motorcycle.

An argument ensued, leading one man to draw a gun while another wielded a knife, chasing after the shop owner. The owner defended himself by throwing a stone, injuring one of the assailants before they fled.

The Min Buri Police investigation revealed that Tanongsak was one of the attackers, leading to the decision to intensify the crackdown. Both suspects, along with the seized evidence, were handed over to Min Buri Police Station for legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.