NAKHON SAWAN — 3 May 2026, A retired police officer shot and killed his son at their home after a violent dispute in which the son allegedly threatened family members with a knife, police said.
The incident occurred on 2 May in Ban Takrut Phiban village, Phai Sali district. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found the body of Natthaphon, 38, with seven gunshot wounds to the torso and arm. A short knife was still in his right hand. Eight 9mm shell casings were recovered at the scene.
The suspected gunman, a 64-year-old retired police captain whose name was withheld, surrendered at the scene and admitted the victim was his son. He handed over a 9mm pistol, previously his service weapon, to forensic officers.
Witnesses told police they heard a heated argument followed by a burst of gunfire. A relative was seen running from the house in distress, saying the son had been shot.
Duty officer Capt. Apirak Khongthai said the suspect himself called police after the shooting and did not attempt to flee. Investigators said the victim had a history of drug use and prior arrests.
On the day of the incident, the son reportedly demanded money from his mother and became enraged when refused. He allegedly tried to attack family members with a knife and attempted to take his father’s gun, prompting the father to open fire.
“If I hadn’t done it, he would have killed me,” the suspect told police, according to investigators.
Neighbours said the retired officer, who left service about two years ago, was generally calm but his son frequently caused disturbances when denied money.
Police have detained the suspect for further questioning and initially charged him with murder. Authorities said the firearm was legally registered and kept at the home. The case remains under investigation.
