Update: Khon Kaen Police Officer Surrenders After Fatal Hospital Shooting of Burmese Man

Khon Kaen —

At 12:30 PM, June 8th, 2024, Muang Khon Kaen Provincial police officers provided an update on the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old Burmese man who was admitted to Khon Kaen Hospital.

The incident occurred at 10:30 PM on June 6, 2024, when the suspect, publicly identified only as Pol. Sgt. Virapong, allegedly shot Kyaw at the hospital. Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene in a pickup truck without license plates.

Pol. Sgt. Virapong, the squad commander at Phra Yuen Police Station, later surrendered to Muang Khon Kaen investigative police officers. A search of his residence led to the discovery of the clothes and the 9mm firearm used in the crime.

During the initial investigation, Pol. Sgt. Virapong appeared confused, stressed, and at risk of self-harm. He claimed the shooting was triggered by his short temper after the victim allegedly verbally harassed his father, who was also hospitalized in a bed near Kyaw.

It was noted that Pol. Sgt. Virapong had never previously met the victim.
Police revealed that Pol. Sgt. Virapong had a medical history of depression but had discontinued his medication. Authorities are investigating whether he was under the influence of illicit substances at the time of the incident.

Following the shooting, Pol. Sgt. Virapong was suspended from duty. Muang Khon Kaen inquiry police have charged him with intentional murder, and additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.