Police Question Gunman's Girlfriend Over Fatal Shooting
A 23-year-old man shot and killed a 27-year-old at a Bangkok temple funeral, then died by suicide in a hotel room as police closed in; authorities are now questioning his girlfriend about the incident and investigating whether drugs or a fi
Police are questioning the girlfriend of Noprat, known as Bangsan (name withheld), 23, who shot and killed Phochai (name withheld), 27, at a funeral for Phochai's girlfriend at Bung Thong Luang Temple in Bang Kapi district, Bangkok. After the shooting, Bangsan fled to a hotel room in Kannayao district with his girlfriend before taking his own life while surrounded by police.
On August 2, 2569, Pol. Col. Thanapan, commander of Ladphrao Police Station, confirmed that Bangsan shot himself while being surrounded by officers and was rushed to hospital in the early morning hours. He was pronounced dead at 3:45 a.m.
Investigators are sending the seized firearm to the police forensics unit to determine whether it is the same weapon used to kill Phochai at the temple. Police also plan to summon Bangsan's girlfriend, who was with him in the hotel room, for questioning and will test her for drug use as part of the investigation.
Police have already interviewed the girlfriend at Kannayao Police Station regarding Bangsan's act of self-harm before releasing her. The Ladphrao Police Station is handling the investigation into the temple shooting and any drug involvement.
Investigators are focusing on two main lines of inquiry: tracing the origin of the firearm and determining whether drugs were involved in the case. Regarding motive, police are emphasizing a revenge angle stemming from the death of Bangsan's close friend, Phochai's girlfriend, who died from a gunshot wound. Bangsan apparently believed Phochai was responsible for her death, though police are still gathering evidence to establish the full facts of the case.
