Thai man wanted for attempted murder commits suicide in Pattaya

A Thai man wanted for attempted murder, committed suicide in front of the police in Pattaya on Saturday, September 28, despite officers spending more than four hours trying to talk him out of it.

The deceased, a 39 year old Thai man named Nirut Yaempuang, caused chaos on Saturday morning before taking his own life at about 10.30pm The incident began when a motorcycle taxi rider, 20 year old Patiphon Prapairat, filed a complaint with Mueang Pattaya Police Station, reporting that Nirut threatened him with a gun.

Patiphon revealed that Nirut parked his bronze sedan outside his motorcycle taxi shelter near Xzyte Square on Central Pattaya Road. Nirut mistakenly believed Patiphon was a foreigner who was curious about directions, so Patiphon approached Nirut’s car. Unexpectedly, Nirut pulled out a gun and threatened him.

Patiphon walked away for his safety but Nirut got out of his car and followed him. Nirut attempted to harm him before his girlfriend intervened. Nirut and his girlfriend then returned to their car and left the scene.

According to Patiphon, Nirut returned to the scene and threatened him again with the gun, prompting him to report the matter to the police. More than 50 police officers arrived at the scene to arrest Nirut, fearing he might harm someone.

Upon seeing the police, Nirut exited the car and ran into the parking area with the gun in hand. The police cordoned off the area within a 200-metre radius. Nirut then posted a message on his Facebook account.

“I love everyone. I made this mess, so I have to take responsibility for it. I must not let anyone else get involved in this problem. This is my last Facebook post. Don’t call me. My battery is running out. I want to save it to talk to my mother. I love you all.”

Beer request before suicide

The superintendent of Mueang Pattaya Police Station decided to call Nirut via the Facebook app. Nirut told officers that he was distressed about an attempted murder case that occurred in Ratchaburi province in 2014.

A colleague of Nirut informed the police that he had an issue with motorcycle taxi riders in Ratchaburi, which later escalated into a serious allegation. This incident led to Nirut facing charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm.

Nirut urged the police not to come any closer and expressed his desire to end his life to avoid punishment for the attempted murder charge. He also asked the police for a bottle of beer, a request they complied with.

Nirut appeared to relax after four hours of talking with the police chief. However, when the superintendent turned around to speak with his team, Nirut unexpectedly shot himself in the head.

The medical team, who were on standby at the scene, attempted to save his life by rushing him to Mueang Pattaya Hospital. Due to the severity of his condition, he was transferred to Chon Buri Hospital, where he died on Sunday, September 29.

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.