BANGKOK — A Border Patrol Police officer surrendered after allegedly opening fire on a group of motorcycle taxi riders in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang area following a dispute over a fare, leaving one rider dead and two others seriously injured.
Police were alerted to the shooting at 02:50 on 14 June 2026 near the entrance of Prachasongkhro 38 Road in Din Daeng district. Investigators from Huai Khwang Police Station, forensic officers, a medical examiner from Ramathibodi Hospital and rescue workers rushed to the scene.
The shooting occurred in front of the Kiatthongchai Market motorcycle taxi stand. Officers found the body of Phurit, 37. He was wearing a black T-shirt covered by an orange motorcycle taxi vest bearing the number 12. He had sustained three to four gunshot wounds to the back.
Two other motorcycle taxi riders were injured. Kiatsak, 46, suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh, while Charin, 48, was shot in the right thigh and left hand. Both were rushed to hospital for treatment.
Witnesses told police that the victim and fellow riders were resting at their motorcycle taxi stand when the suspect approached and began arguing with them. The confrontation escalated into a heated dispute before the suspect allegedly drew a handgun and fired multiple shots into the group.
Phurit died at the scene, while the two other riders were seriously wounded.
Witnesses described the gunman as a young man wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, denim shorts and carrying a black shoulder bag. He fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
Later, police received information that the suspect had surrendered at Makkasan Police Station. He was identified as Police Senior Sergeant Major Namtap Pakwattana, 33, attached to the Border Patrol Police Bureau.
Officers seized a 9mm Sig Sauer pistol and one magazine as evidence.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted that the incident stemmed from a dispute over a motorcycle taxi fare, which escalated into a confrontation. He then allegedly fired at the group of riders before fleeing the scene in a public taxi.
Police have taken the suspect into custody for further questioning and legal proceedings.
The investigation is continuing.