Drunk Man Accidentally Kills Friend Cleaning Gun, Cornered by Police
A 40-year-old man accidentally shot and killed his 42-year-old friend while cleaning a .38 caliber handgun during a drinking session in Don Mueang, Bangkok. The suspect fled with his girlfriend but was later cornered in Nonthaburi with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chin. Police are investigating and awaiting the suspect's recovery to pursue murder and illegal firearms charges.
A dramatic incident occurred when a man drinking with friends brought out a gun to clean it, only for the weapon to discharge and kill his companion before he fled the scene, finally cornered in the middle of Soi Samakkhi where he was found bleeding and moaning in pain.
On November 5, 2026, Pol. Lt. Col. Satawat Harnnok, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of Don Mueang Police Station, revealed that at 11:00 PM on November 4, they received a report of a shooting with a fatality at a house in Don Mueang district, Bangkok. Officers rushed to the scene along with forensic doctors from Bhumibol Hospital, evidence technicians, and Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteers.
The incident took place at a two-story townhouse beside a canal. On the ground floor, police found the seriously injured victim, Mr. Sanan (surname withheld), 42, lying on his back breathing heavily. Doctors attempted CPR but he later died. He was shirtless with a single .38 caliber gunshot wound to his left ribcage.
The perpetrator, Mr. Praphan (surname withheld), 40, fled with his girlfriend after shooting himself under the left chin with the same revolver, the bullet lodging in his cheek, apparently attempting to evade arrest before escaping in a vehicle with his partner. Officials sent the body to Bhumibol Hospital's forensic department for further examination.
Later, Don Mueang investigators coordinated with Rattanathibet Police after a citizen reported a suspicious person. They apprehended Mr. Praphan, who was in critical condition, moaning and bleeding heavily, sitting in the middle of Soi Samakkhi in Mueang district, Nonthaburi. His 38-year-old girlfriend claimed they were not fleeing but taking a taxi to a clinic. However, police were skeptical and coordinated an ambulance to urgently transport him to Phra Nang Klao Hospital in Nonthaburi. The suspect claimed he had discarded the weapon near the crime scene.
During questioning, the victim's 37-year-old girlfriend stated that before the incident, the victim and suspect were drinking together when the suspect took out a Thai-made .38 caliber handgun to clean it, causing it to accidentally discharge and hit the victim. She heard only a single gunshot before the victim ran out seeking help from nearby residents, while the suspect fled the scene.
Investigators are currently gathering evidence and awaiting the suspect's recovery for formal questioning, while also searching for the discarded firearm near the scene to support charges of murder and illegal firearms possession.
