Lampang: A former village headman in Lampang province has surrendered to police after fatally shooting a local journalist and injuring two others. He claimed he acted out of sudden anger.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Tha, 62, who owns a pork blood soup restaurant, shot Mr. Chaiwut, 54, a journalist in Lampang province. Two others, Mrs. B, 55, and her sister Mrs. If, 48, were injured in the altercation. Mrs. B sustained injuries from slashes to her hand, shoulder, and neck, while Mrs. If required stitches for a head injury. Both victims are in stable condition at the hospital.
The violent incident took place opposite Mr. Tha's restaurant on Phaholyothin Road in the Chomphu Subdistrict of Mueang District. Ms. Iff, an injured party, reported that Mr. Chaiwut and Ms. Bee recently moved into the area and had a prior dispute with Mr. Tha over parking. Although the matter had quieted down, tensions escalated last night, leading to the fatal shooting and subsequent knife attack on Ms. Bee and Ms. Iff.
Mr. Tha's wife noted previous arguments over parking but was unaware of other issues. She described how her husband was watering plants when he suddenly grabbed a gun, shot the journalist, disposed of the weapons, and fled. Mr. Tha later surrendered to the police, claiming he was provoked by continuous insults. He alleged that the journalist's party initiated the fight with a knife, exacerbating his anger.
Police Colonel Phuchich Triyamprai stated the conflict arose from a parking dispute on land owned by a Member of Parliament, designated for shared use. Mr. Tha claimed self-defense, alleging the journalist's party attempted an attack with a knife. He has been charged with intentional homicide, attempted murder, and firearms violations. The suspect refused a crime reenactment, prompting immediate court detention.