Pattaya —
A gunman who accidentally shot and killed an innocent Thai woman in Pattaya earlier this week surrendered to Nongprue police on June 26th, 2024.
First our previous story:
Now for our update:
Yesterday at around 4:06 PM, Pol Col Tawi Kudklaeng, Chief of the Nongprue Police Station, along with a team of over 30 investigators, apprehended Mr. Mongkol Boonsomthob, 34, on murder charges. The arrest took place on Soi Huai Saphan, Pong sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province.
Mr. Mongkol was escorted to a crime scene at a construction camp site for a crime reenactment, after he was believed to have committed a drive-by shooting that killed Ms. Penprapa Phlapho, a 33-year-old Thai woman, by accident.
According to the police, Mr. Mongkol fired a 9mm handgun four times at the pickup truck in which Ms. Penprapa was riding. Ms. Penprapa was struck in the middle of her back, resulting in her death at the scene. It was understood that Mr. Mongkol was aiming for his father-in-law’s friend, who was also in the truck and had a dispute with him.
During the crime reenactment, a large group of the deceased’s relatives shouted insults at Mr. Mongkol. The victim’s boyfriend, in a fit of anger, attempted to attack him but was stopped by police.
The suspect reportedly confessed to the allegations, saying that he had followed a white pickup truck driven by his father-in-law’s friend and shot at it four times. He fled the scene but later felt regret, stating he did not intend to kill anyone and apologized to the victim’s family. Mr. Mongkol blamed his actions on his rage due to being repeatedly assaulted by his father-in-law’s friend.
The victim’s husband, 33 (name withheld), stated that he and his wife did not know the gunman as they had only recently arrived at the work camp. He also opposed the suspect’s bail.
The suspect is proceeding with legal action in police custody.
