Senior Officer Charged with Intentional Murder in Wife's Fatal Shooting at East Pattaya Kindergarten

PATTAYA, Thailand – A senior Banglamung police officer has been charged with intentional murder after allegedly shooting and killing his wife, a teacher, at Nong Pla Lai Municipal Kindergarten in East Pattaya, Banglamung district. Police Sub-Lieutenant Thasaphong Thongthat, 55, known as “Inspector O,” Deputy Investigation Superintendent at Banglamung Police Station, surrendered to police on the morning of September 10 after officers and his son spent almost 20 hours persuading him to leave his home, where he had reportedly been hiding following the shooting. At about 2 p.m. on September 10, Chonburi Deputy Police Commander Pol. Col. Narongrit Waphansu, Banglamung Police Chief Pol. Col. Sarawut Nuchanart and investigators questioned Thasaphong at Banglamung Police Station. The questioning lasted about six hours, with relatives and his son present throughout. Police subsequently charged him with intentional murder and two offenses under Thailand’s firearms law: carrying a firearm in a town, village or public place without permission, and firing a firearm using explosives without reasonable cause in a town, village or public gathering. After questioning, police took Thasaphong downstairs for fingerprinting. He appeared visibly stressed, kept his head down and covered his head with a grey towel. Police then prepared to take him to Pattaya Provincial Court for his first detention hearing. Police are also preparing disciplinary proceedings against the officer. Authorities said a committee will be established to investigate the case as a serious disciplinary offense, in accordance with regulations and the law, as consideration is given to his removal from government service. At about 3:15 p.m., Thasaphong was escorted to a police vehicle for the journey to court. Reporters asked whether he wanted to say anything, but he did not respond and continued to keep his head down. Pol. Col. Sarawut said the police operation had been completed without further injury or loss of life. He said the investigation indicated that jealousy was behind the shooting, but declined to disclose further details, describing them as a private family matter. The police chief added that Thasaphong had never previously caused problems or displayed violent behavior toward colleagues. He said the case highlighted the need for supervisors to pay closer attention to subordinates’ personal and family problems, which may not always be visible to colleagues, to help prevent similar incidents of domestic violence. Meanwhile, at about 1:30 p.m., the Sawang Boriboon was assigned by police to transport the body of Phailin Thongthat, 48, known as “Teacher Ple”, to the Police General Hospital Institute of Forensic Medicine in Bangkok. A detailed post-mortem examination, including an examination of the bullet trajectory, will be conducted as part of the investigation. The family has not yet decided where Phailin’s funeral rites will be held and was still discussing arrangements among relatives. Information source: Pattaya Mail