Armed Criminal Fires on Police, Shot Dead in Return—History of Drug Dealing, Armed Robbery, and Assault on Residents

On April 28, 2025, Deputy Superintendent Somchai Boongerng of Sui Police Station led a multi-agency operation involving police, local administrative officials, military personnel, provincial prosecutors, rescue workers, and community leaders to a cave entrance in Thung Raya Subdistrict, Sui District, Chumphon Province. The operation was initiated after a suspect, believed to be 30-35 years old, fled into the cave following ongoing criminal activities.

Officers cordoned off the area and discovered several items at the cave entrance, including a black backpack, machete, pan, hat, headlamp, phone, three methamphetamine pills, and a homemade .38 caliber handgun loaded with ammunition. A shell casing was found in the chamber.

Rescue teams faced significant difficulty retrieving the body due to the narrow cave opening and approximately 8-meter depth, which also contained lingering tear gas. After more than 20 minutes of effort, the body was successfully removed. Initial autopsy findings showed a single gunshot wound through the chest.

Investigation revealed the suspect was Karen ethnicity with a lengthy history of dangerous criminal behavior in the area. According to witnesses, approximately two weeks prior, he had committed theft and was involved in methamphetamine trafficking while carrying a firearm. Community leaders discovered 170 methamphetamine pills and 7 additional .38 rounds at a shelter. He had also burglarized and assaulted Thai residents in three homes.

After days of pursuit, community leaders discovered cooking fire traces at the cave entrance. Special operations officers attempted negotiation and deployed tear gas to force surrender. The suspect fired one shot at officers, who returned fire with a fatal shot that penetrated through the chest.