An off-duty police officer has surrendered to authorities following a fatal shooting that left one motorcycle taxi rider dead and two others injured in Bangkok’s Din Daeng district early on Sunday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:50am near the entrance of Pracha Songkroh Soi 38, a residential street in the Din Daeng area. Police from Huai Khwang Police Station responded to reports of gunfire and arrived to find one victim dead and two others wounded.
According to investigators, 37-year-old motorcycle taxi rider Purit Mangthisan died at the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. His body was discovered on the roadside while emergency responders attended to the injured victims.
Two other motorcycle taxi riders were taken to hospital for treatment. Kiatisak Srirat, 46, suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh, while Charin Khunarak, 48, was wounded in both the thigh and hand.
Motorcycle taxi riders are a common form of public transport in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, where they provide short-distance travel through busy streets and narrow residential lanes known locally as “sois.”
Witnesses told police that a man dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt and shorts approached a group of motorcycle taxi riders who were gathered near their stand. An argument reportedly broke out before the man produced a handgun and fired several shots.
Later that morning, a suspect voluntarily surrendered at Makkasan Police Station. He was identified as Police Lance Corporal Namthap Pakwatana, 33, a member of the Border Patrol Police. He handed over a 9mm SIG Sauer service pistol and a magazine to investigators.
According to police, the officer claimed the confrontation began after a dispute over a transportation fare. He alleged that he had been physically assaulted by members of the motorcycle taxi group and fired his weapon in self-defence.
Investigators said preliminary reviews of surveillance camera footage appeared to show two motorcycle taxi riders confronting and assaulting the suspect before shots were fired. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the sequence of events.
A relative of the officer told police that the dispute may have originated from a disagreement over the cost of a motorcycle taxi ride to the Makkasan area of Bangkok. The relative also stated that the officer had a mental health condition and was taking prescribed medication.
Police have not confirmed whether the alleged fare dispute or the officer’s medical condition played a role in the incident. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as officers continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The shooting has attracted significant public attention due to the involvement of a serving police officer and the fatal outcome. Investigators are expected to determine whether criminal charges will be filed and whether the use of deadly force was justified under Thai law.
