Police Officer Arrested After Firing Gun in Pattaya Apartment

CHONBURI — A police officer allegedly fired eight rounds from a 9mm handgun inside an apartment in Pattaya early Saturday morning, prompting police to detain him and four women at the scene for questioning and drug testing.

The incident was reported at 05:36 on 19 September at an apartment in Soi Yensabai, South Pattaya, Moo 9, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.

Pol. Lt. Col. Sontaya Khonsap, deputy inspector for crime prevention and suppression at Pattaya City Police Station, led officers to the scene after receiving a report that a person had fired a gun inside a room. Police cordoned off the area because the suspect was believed to be armed. Officers discovered several bullet marks in the walls and ceiling on the third floor. No injuries were reported.

The suspect was identified as a police sergeant from Bang Lamung Police Station. Officers detained him and seized a 9mm handgun.

Four women aged between approximately 18 and 25 were also taken in for questioning. According to the apartment caretaker and a man identified as Ta, they were alerted that the officer appeared to be under the influence of an unidentified substance. He was reportedly shaking, behaving aggressively and threatening to damage property.

When they entered the room to try to calm the situation, the officer allegedly grabbed a handgun from underneath a pillow and fired eight rounds. Those inside fled and contacted police.

One of the women told officers that the officer was in a relationship with another woman known as Bam, who was also in the room. She said he had initially visited before leaving to obtain what she described as "Pork K" and returning in an apparently intoxicated state. The woman alleged he then attempted to sexually harass the women and assaulted Bam. Fearing for their safety, they left the room and asked the caretaker for help.

When the caretaker and others returned, the officer allegedly pulled out the handgun and fired several shots. The four women told police that people in the room had been using drugs, including ketamine and "Pork K," and they admitted to using drugs as well.

The officer, however, allegedly told authorities that he fired the weapon in self-defence because people had entered the room and he mistakenly believed they intended to harm him.

Dada, 32, the caretaker's younger sister, said four women had initially rented the room. One of them later brought the police officer upstairs. She followed because she was concerned that the disturbance could affect foreign guests staying at the apartment.