NONG BUA LAMPHU — A 58-year-old gunman surrendered to police on Thursday following an intensive 24-hour manhunt involving over 500 officers across Nong Bua Lamphu and Loei provinces. The suspect, identified as Samart, was taken into custody in a field after allegedly killing three people in Sri Bun Rueang district, Nong Bua Lamphu Province.
The case sparked widespread fear in the community, including among the suspect’s own family members. His son and daughter-in-law in Udon Thani Province were particularly concerned after Samart posted threatening messages toward them on social media, reportedly due to financial disputes.
Jessada “Pang,” the suspect’s 28-year-old son, spoke to reporters from his residence in Udon Thani. “I couldn’t sleep all night worrying about my father,” he said. “Even though he killed people, I still care about him as his son.” Now that his father has surrendered, he plans to travel to Nong Bua Lamphu province immediately.
Jessada said his father was not a hunter as reported in the news, but rather an ordinary person who had a strong interest in guns. He loved collecting guns since Jessada was young – in fact, Jessada’s nickname “Pang” was given by his father in reference to the sound of a gunshot.
The suspect’s son noticed that after his father got a new wife, his personality changed, becoming emotionally unstable with extreme mood swings. Additionally,Jessada revealed that tensions arose after he returned from working in South Korea and was unable to meet his father’s financial demands.
According to local sources, Samart, who worked as a motorcycle mechanic, also operated an unofficial firearms pawn shop. Multiple weapons were reportedly in his possession, including 11mm, .38, and 9mm calibers. Investigators recovered two bullet casings at the crime scene. The Interior Ministry confirmed that Samart did not possess a legal permit for the 9mm weapon used in the shooting.
Initial investigations suggest the motive was revenge against the victim, Preecha, who had reported Samart to authorities for allegedly stealing 10,000 baht from his disability welfare payment during an ATM transaction. The suspect also targeted Preecha’s sister, Lek, believing she had encouraged her brother to file the police report. Due to safety concerns, police have placed Lek under protection at Region 4 Police headquarters.
The case highlights ongoing issues with illegal firearms possession and financial disputes leading to violence in the region. Police are continuing their investigation as the suspect remains in custody.
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Deadly Shooting Rocks Northeastern Thailand, Suspect at Large
