Bangkok: Police have detained a man for jealous rage after he fatally shot his wife and her new boyfriend inside Wat Sai Ngam temple in Ayutthaya province. Both died, and the gunman even took photos of the victims and sent them to their relatives.
According to Thai News Agency, investigators from Uthai Police Station, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, took Mr. Nattawut, or "Ek," the suspect, to the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Court to request a first remand order. He is accused of shooting and killing Ms. Suphawinee, 44, and her new boyfriend, Mr. Anek Phromwat, 44, inside a pickup truck parked in the courtyard of Wat Sai Ngam temple in Sena Subdistrict, Uthai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. He subsequently surrendered to Sao Hai Police Station, Saraburi Province. While being escorted to the vehicle, the suspect appeared tense, wearing a long-sleeved hooded shirt, and refused to answer any questions from reporters.
Earlier, it was reported that police took the suspect to the crime scene at Wat Sai Ngam this morning. The reenactment was conducted without prior notice to the media, for fear of causing unrest at the temple. The process took only a few minutes before the suspect was immediately returned to Uthai Thani Police Station.
Regarding the motive, the suspect confessed to committing the crime out of jealousy, as he had recently broken up with his ex-wife after a relationship of over 10 years and with whom he has two children. During that time, he became suspicious and discovered that his ex-wife had a new partner. He followed her until he witnessed her getting into a car with her new boyfriend at a temple, at which point he decided to shoot both of them. He claimed to have disposed of the gun but couldn't pinpoint the exact location. However, authorities believe he likely kept the weapon. Recently, the Smith and Wesson .357 caliber revolver used in the crime, along with the ammunition, have been recovered.
A background check on the suspect revealed a prior conviction for attempted murder, with him having recently been released from prison before committing this crime. Initially, the suspect has been charged with premeditated murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, carrying a firearm in a city, village, or public place without permission, and firing a gun in a city, village, or public place without justifiable cause.