Village Headman Dies After Accidental Shooting During Drug-Fueled Rampage Response

A village headman died after being accidentally shot by a volunteer security officer as they helped a police team in subduing a drug-crazed villager on a violent rampage in northeastern Nakhon Phanom province, Amarin TV said last night (Sep. 12). Mr. Wasana Srikason, 52, the village headman of Moo 8, Phon Thong subdistrict, Ban Phaeng district, was shot while helping police from Ban Phaeng station in controlling Mr. Kittisak Kaewmuentrong, 33, who was in a drug-induced frenzy, threatening villagers and officers with a knife and attempting to stab them on Saturday. During the confrontation, Mr. Pawarit Saengthong, 47, a volunteer security officer from this district, fired several rounds from a 9mm pistol in self-defence in subduing the suspect. A bullet struck Wasana in the chest and he was rushed to Ban Phaeng Hospital but succumbed to his injuries last night. Meanwhile, Kittisak was shot and injured in his left upper arm then quickly taken to the same hospital. The drug addict is now under official custody while undergoing medical treatment pending further investigation and legal proceedings. In response to the frequent occurrence of such incidents in this province — where reports of drug-crazed individuals causing disturbances are received almost daily — officials have implemented stricter measures for monitoring, controlling, and responding to these situations to prevent future recurrences.