Bangkok: A police corporal has been remanded in custody for shooting and killing two motorcycle taxi drivers and injuring one on Pracha Songkhro Road. The victim's wife opposed bail, revealing she received threats after the incident.
According to Thai News Agency, investigators at Huai Khwang Metropolitan Police Station brought Police Constable Namthap, a Border Patrol Police officer (BPP 21), to the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road to request a remand order. Namthap is accused of the shooting in front of Soi Pracha Songkhro 38, Din Daeng District, Bangkok, which resulted in two deaths and one injury.
The suspect faces charges of "intentional homicide, attempted homicide, and carrying a firearm in a city, village, or public place without justifiable cause." Bail has been opposed due to the seriousness of the crime, potential high penalties, and concerns that the suspect might flee if granted bail.
The shooting resulted in two fatalities. One victim died at the scene, while the second, Mr. Charin, a motorcycle taxi driver, succumbed to injuries at Paolo Hospital Saphan Kwai. Before his death, doctors informed Charin's family that he was brain dead and unresponsive.
Ms. Benjawan Kreumata, Charin's wife, opposed the suspect's bail, citing excessive force. She mentioned that the incident stemmed from a fare argument, with video footage showing the suspect attempting to provoke a fight. A witness confirmed smelling alcohol on the suspect.
Benjawan expressed concern for the safety of witnesses after an unknown person threatened them. The individual, wearing a helmet and mask, warned, "Talk too much and you'll end up like those guys," causing fear among the witnesses and their families.
She acknowledged that her family lacks connections or power and admitted her husband may have partly lost control of his emotions. However, she argued that provocation or abusive language should not have led to violence.
Authorities questioned the suspect's claim of being assaulted by a gang, noting that only a few people were present, and everyone fled when shots were fired. Despite this, the suspect continued shooting, causing serious casualties.
The family faces online criticism, with some blaming the motorcycle taxi driver for the conflict. Benjawan requested the public to consider all perspectives and grant justice to those affected. The family filed a police report regarding the threats they received.
Mr. Charin's body will be taken to Wat Punnatee, Hall 1, for funeral rites. Meanwhile, the wife of Mr. Phurit, another victim, expressed disbelief in the perpetrator's father's intentions to pay respects, questioning the father's claim of his son's mental illness, arguing that a mentally ill person could not serve as a police officer.
She insisted that the act was intentional and stated she would not forgive the perpetrator, despite the family's willingness to attend the funeral. Concerns about the suspect's family rank and position were mentioned regarding contesting bail in court.