Police officer slits his throat to escape arrest after stealing gold
Injured suspect fights for life under guard
A Thai police officer slit his own throat at a police station in the southern province of Trang yesterday, May 7, after being caught stealing a gold necklace from a food vendor.
The 34 year old female vendor, Pornpimon, complained to Na Yong Police Station officers on May 3 that her gold necklace, worth over 100,000 baht, was stolen at about 1pm. The thief arrived at her stall on a red and black motorcycle and posed as a customer.
Pornpimon was about to take his order when the man pulled out what she believed to be a gun and threatened her. He demanded her gold necklace, and Pornpimon complied for her safety.
Police reviewed footage from security cameras along Napod–Yan Ta Khao Road, where the thief fled, and were able to identify the suspect as an officer from Had Samran Police Station, 46 year old Police Senior Sergeant Major Teerayuth. The officer was later found to have sold the stolen item at a local gold shop.
Officers worked covertly to prevent Teerayuth from escaping. After gathering evidence, they obtained an arrest warrant yesterday.
Ten officers approached Teerayuth while he was on duty at the station. The suspect fled to the radio communication room inside the building. Unable to continue his escape, he grabbed a knife from a dining table and slit his own throat in a suicide attempt.
His colleagues administered first aid and rushed him to Had Samran Hospital. His condition is critical and requires close medical attention.
According to ThaiRath, Teerayuth had been transferred from Yan Ta Khao Police Station to Had Samran just 10 days before his arrest. He reportedly faced financial difficulties and had a history of drug use.
Two charges have been filed against the officer:
- Section 339 of the Criminal Code: Using violence or threats of violence to commit theft or to facilitate escape. The penalty is five to ten years’ imprisonment and a fine ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 baht.
- Section 8 of the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and Imitation Firearms Act: Carrying a firearm in a public place without proper permission or necessity. The punishment is up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help.
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