A Thai soldier has surrendered to police after allegedly shooting his ex-wife and her new partner at a house in Bangkok, leaving the young man dead and the woman fighting for her life.
The shooting took place on Saturday evening at a house in Soi Chalerm Prakiat Rama IX 30, Prawet district, where officers from Udomsuk Police Station responded to reports of gunfire.
Police found the body of 19-year-old Film inside a car parked outside the house. Investigators said he had sustained a gunshot wound to the head as well as multiple gunshot wounds to the chest.
His girlfriend, 36-year-old Tarn, suffered gunshot wounds to the chest, shoulder and abdomen. She was rushed to hospital and remains in critical condition.
Film’s mother, Waraporn, told police that the couple had just returned home from work at a nearby factory at around 6pm when the suspect arrived at the house in a black Mazda sedan.
According to her, Film phoned her after noticing the man outside and asked what he should do. She advised him to remain inside the car for his safety. Moments later, she heard several gunshots.
When she rushed outside, she found her son dead inside the vehicle while Tarn was seriously injured beside him.
The owner of the factory where the couple worked said Tarn and her former husband had divorced about two years ago. He added that the suspect had never previously visited the factory or harassed Tarn following the separation.
Police later identified the suspect as Sergeant Major First Class Nattaphon Chanprasert, 37, who voluntarily surrendered at Ban Pong Police Station in Ratchaburi province.
The soldier handed over a 9mm Glock pistol, which investigators believe was used in the attack.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted to carrying out the shooting, telling police he acted out of jealousy after seeing his former wife with another man.
He is expected to be transferred to Udomsuk Police Station in Bangkok for further legal proceedings. Police have yet to announce the charges he will face as investigations continue.
