After an altercation about a promotion at the kamnan’s house late on Wednesday night, a shooter shot and killed one highway police officer and injured another. The kamnan has now turned himself in to authorities.
Kamnan Nok, also known as Praween Chankhlai, surrendered to Nakhon Pathom police late on Thursday after they had already secured a warrant for his arrest for ordering the shootings. The shooter, a worker for Mr. Praween, is still at large.
According to eyewitness testimony, the shootings happened as a result of Mr. Praween’s request to transfer his policeman nephew being denied, according to Pol Lt. Gen. Jirabhop Bhuridej, head of the Central Investigation Bureau.
According to Pol Maj Gen Montree Theskhan, the commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), officers from the CSD and Provincial Police Region 7 have been sent to several locations in Nakhon Pathom and neighboring provinces to look for the shooter.
Thananchai Manmak, 45, is the suspect, according to the police.
A witness claimed that Kamnan Nok had made an effort to become acquainted with the highway police by inviting them to his home in tambon Takong, Muang district. Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua, the head of Highway Police Station 1 under the Highway Police Sub-division 2, and Pol Lt Col Wasin Panpee, the deputy commander of the Highway Police Sub-division 2, were two of the officers in the group.
Around 10 o’clock in the evening, Mr. Praween got into a fight with Pol Maj Sivakorn, according to Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop, and left. Shortly after, a shooter approached the police officers’ dining table and started shooting.
Witnesses claimed that Mr. Praween attempted to persuade Pol Maj Sivakorn before the shooting to transfer his nephew, the son of his younger brother, from a position in a patrol car to a motorcycle patrol squad, but Pol Maj Sivakorn refused. He reportedly said that promotions must adhere to regulations and be based on merit.
Mr. Praween stormed off after striking the table with his fist. Mr. Thananchai showed up and started shooting five minutes later.
Seven shots were fired at Pol Maj Sivakorn, who eventually died from his wounds. After being shot in the left arm, Pol Lt Col Wasin was taken to the hospital.
The national police head, Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas, had ordered a police dragnet to arrest Mr. Thananchai due to the egregious nature of the crime, according to Pol Lt Gen Achayon Kraithong, the spokesman for the Royal Thai Police.
The Nakhon Pathom Court issued a warrant for his arrest on suspicion of intentional murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and openly carrying a weapon without a permit.
The gunman committed the act in plain view of numerous persons who had been invited to the meal, according to Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, the deputy national police head. There were five dining tables, and the highway patrol had its own.
The other officers at the table included Pol Col Panuthat Luangsajjakul, chief investigator of Nakhon Pathom police headquarters; Pol Col Vachira Yaothaisong, commander of Highway Police Sub-division 2; Pol Col Krisdaporn Jong-aksorn, chief of Phaya Thai police in Bangkok; Pol Maj Narong Pitakchanuan, a highway police officer; and Pol Sgt Maj Pisit Chiewpreecha, a squad leader at highway police station 1 who is Mr Praween’s nephew.
Other highway police, police officers from the neighborhood station, and Mr. Praween’s men, including the alleged shooter Mr. Thananchai, were seated at a different table.
“The behavior was shocking. The shooter had the audacity to attack the police in a public place, according to Pol Gen Torsak.
“How can regular folks be confident in their safety? I’ve told the police to find the suspect soon. In the case of any reprisal, the police have been instructed to act swiftly.
The deputy police chief cautioned that anyone else found to have been involved would be subject to arrest warrants and legal repercussions.
According to a police inquiry, Mr. Praween routinely hosted parties at his home and boasted in public about his contacts to the police, several local officials, and previous national politicians.
There was a 25 million baht Bentley automobile parked close to the pool villa where the incident occurred.
In addition, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop stated that he will submit a request to the head of the national police for the case to be transferred to the Crime Suppression Division (CSD).
