Former Employee Fires Gun at Funeral in Pathum Thani
A former municipal employee fired two warning shots into the air during a funeral at Bang Kuan Wat Temple in Pathum Thani, threatening the mayor and mourners. No one was injured, but the mayor vowed to pursue the case to the fullest and warned that local officials should not become targets of political violence. Police are investigating the incident as a possible politically motivated act.
The mayor of Bang Kuan Wat Subdistrict Administrative Organization recounted the frightening moment when a former municipal employee drew a gun and fired two shots into the air during a funeral at Bang Kuan Wat Temple, insisting that the matter be pursued to the fullest extent. He noted the broader issue of violence, citing the shooting of a former Nongburi Provincial Administrative Organization president, and stressed that local administrators should not become targets of political violence or conflict.
The incident occurred on the evening of October 7, 2026, at Bang Kuan Wat Temple in Pathum Thani Province. The mayor, who was about to present a cloth offering, had been speaking with the bereaved family when the ex‑employee approached from the crematorium, shouting abusive language. He then brandished a firearm and discharged two rounds upward before fleeing on a motorcycle. Witnesses, including the deputy mayor, the municipal secretary, staff and relatives, reported hearing the shots and seeing a metallic object glint in the attacker’s hand. No one was injured.
Deputy Mayor Pannada Thukhak said the news came as a shock; she had worked with the mayor for about nine months and affirmed that he follows proper procedures, offering her full support. Villager Jee Pui of Moo Ban Manirin added that the mayor attends to residents’ needs and that any dissatisfaction should be resolved through elections, not intimidation.
Municipal Secretary Sirichai Chanbaep said he was taking photos of the mayor when he noticed the opponent staring at him repeatedly, appearing ready to attack. He intervened just before the gunfire, suspecting a possible political motive behind the act.
The mayor, identified as Acting Police Lieutenant Dr. Montripad Etcharas, explained that he had been paying respects to the deceased parent of a subordinate when the former employee, who had resigned, approached from the crematorium, used vulgarities, then fired two warning shots into the air before speeding away on his motorcycle. He stressed that the gun was pointed upward, not at the gathering, and that he and others stayed close together to avoid any unexpected harm.
The mayor added that since taking office over a year ago he has implemented stricter personnel policies, emphasizing public service. He said he has never had a policy to dismiss staff, and anyone who leaves does so voluntarily.
