Kanchanaburi: The owner of a cockfighting arena in Kanchanaburi Province has surrendered to police following the fatal shooting of a thief who had repeatedly targeted the venue for theft. The incident has sparked a detailed police investigation and raised questions about the use of excessive force.
According to Thai News Agency, police at Lad Ya Police Station, Kanchanaburi Province, escorted Mr. Chinkrit, the 46-year-old owner of the 9 Thap cockfighting arena, and his accomplice, Mr. Watcharapol, to reenact the crime. The reenactment took place at the abandoned arena in Moo 12, Wang Dong Subdistrict, Mueang Kanchanaburi District. Both individuals confessed to shooting and assaulting Mr. Kantinan, a 30-year-old who was found seriously injured at the scene and later died from his wounds.
The incident occurred last night, with police officers and volunteers from the Pitak Kan Foundation responding to the scene. They discovered Mr. Kantinan lying unconscious with gunshot wounds to both legs and his face, bleeding heavily from his mouth. He was rushed to Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries. Mr. Chinkrit and his accomplices fled the scene on a motorcycle with the shotgun used, before surrendering to police.
During police questioning, Mr. Chinkrit explained that his cockfighting arena had been inactive for years but was frequently targeted by thieves. He claimed to have been trying to prevent theft when he shot Mr. Kantinan, who had sneaked in again to steal. Mr. Watcharapol admitted to further assaulting the thief, using an axe on his head and repeatedly kicking his face.
The father of the deceased acknowledged his son's involvement in attempting to steal from the arena. However, he raised concerns about the severity of his son's injuries, which included gunshot wounds, deep head lacerations, and significant facial bruising. He questioned whether the attack was excessive and called for a thorough investigation to determine the truth behind the incident.