Chiang Mai man arrested after shooting during Loy Krathong

Police in Chiang Mai apprehended a young man following a dramatic incident where he intervened in a marital dispute, only to shoot the husband in the neck after being insulted. The police captured the suspect after a tense manhunt following the Loy Krathong festival.

The incident unfolded early yesterday, November 17, when Chiang Mai police were alerted to a shooting outside a beauty salon on Suriyawong Road in Chang Klan, Mueang Chiang Mai district.

At around 2am, 32 year old Thanat was shot once in the neck and critically injured. Emergency services rushed him to the hospital, and at the scene, police discovered three spent 9mm shell casings.

The gunman, identified as 27 year old Pithaya was swiftly pursued by a team led by Police Colonel Prachaya Tisala from the Chiang Mai City Police Station. The incident was deemed shocking and brazen, prompting Major General Kritthaphon Yeesakhon to order an urgent investigation to bring the suspect to justice.

Following the shooting, the investigation team, including Police Lieutenant Colonel Statichai Nitiwan, scoured CCTV footage to track Pithaya’s movements. He was traced to the Mae Rim district. Under considerable pressure from the police, who intensified their search efforts, Pithaya ultimately contacted the police to arrange his surrender.

Police apprehended him on Ratchadamnoen Road, near the Chiang Mai City Police Station, at the agreed time.

In custody, Pithaya admitted to the shooting. He explained that he had no prior acquaintance or dispute with Thanat. He recounted that while drinking on the opposite side of the road, he witnessed Thanat and his wife arguing loudly.

His attempt to intervene was met with hostility, as Thanat responded with abusive language. This led to a confrontation, during which Thanat approached him aggressively. In response, Pithaya fired three warning shots, one of which struck Thanat in the neck. He fled the scene immediately after the incident.

Pithaya faces several charges, including attempted murder, possession and use of a firearm and ammunition without a permit, and carrying a firearm in public without valid reason. The police have handed him over to investigators to proceed with legal action, reported KhaoSod.