Thai man breaks into neighbour’s home, fires shots, and ends his life
A heartbroken, desperate Thai man opened fire and took his own life at his neighbour’s home in the central province of Pathum Thani late last night.
Officers from Thanyaburi Police Station were called to investigate the shooting at Garden View Village in the Thanyaburi district of Pathum Thani at around 11pm, yesterday, January 15. The incident occurred at two houses, numbers 89/185 and 89/186.
Police discovered several bullet casings outside the two residences. The front door of house number 89/186 was riddled with bullet holes, and the door to the master bedroom on the second floor also bore gunshot damage. Fortunately, the homeowner and family members were unharmed.
In another bedroom, officers found the body of a 45 year old Thai man, Surachai Changpao, lying face down with a gunshot wound to his right temple. A 9mm pistol was found near his body.
The homeowner, 34 year old Kannika Boonmee, informed police that Surachai was her neighbour, who had recently moved into house number 89/185 just a few days ago. She recalled that he had greeted her previously and apologised for causing loud noises, though she had not heard any disturbances.
During the incident, Kannika was sleeping in the master bedroom with her husband, while their son was in another room. They were awakened by the sound of gunfire and the gunman breaking into their home.
Innocent people at risk
Kannika explained that her son rushed into her bedroom, asking what was happening. The family decided to barricade the bedroom door with a wardrobe and a fridge. The gunman ascended to the second floor and fired multiple shots at the bedroom door.
Fortunately, the makeshift barricade saved the family from harm. One bullet penetrated the door and struck the fridge inside the room.
Kannika later realised that the gunman was her new neighbour, Surachai, and contacted the landlord of his rented home. While speaking with the landlord, she heard another gunshot, after which all went silent.
The landlord, 54 year old Thongton Klakratok, informed police that Surachai had moved into the property on January 11. He told her that he was under stress following a recent breakup with his girlfriend.
Thongton, who lives nearby, rushed to the scene with her husband after receiving Kannika’s call. They tried to reason with Surachai, but he reassured them he was OK.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry. I’m going to end my life soon.”
Police transferred Surachai’s body to a hospital for an autopsy and will contact his family to inform them of his death.
It remains unclear why Surachai broke into Kannika’s home. Many netizens condemned his actions for endangering an innocent family who had no connection to his issues.
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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