Pattaya, Chonburi – Police at Pattaya City Police Station took Pol. Lt. Col. Jirasak Srikatthanam, also known as “Sergeant Joe”, a 54-year-old investigation officer from the station’s investigation unit, for additional questioning on Monday morning (April 20th, 2026). Authorities reportedly then took him to remand him at Pattaya Provincial Court in the afternoon.
Sergeant Joe is the suspect in the fatal shooting of Mr. Phatthraphon Chirachaiyakun (also known as King), 41, the owner of a cannabis shop on Walking Street in South Pattaya. The incident occurred behind the shop in the early morning of April 19th after Joe was reportedly drinking heavy as part of Songkran/Wan Lai celebrations as we reported here.
During the morning session, officers led the suspect from his detention cell where he remains in custody into an interrogation room for further questioning lasting about one hour. He reportedly continued to deny the charges of murder. However, after the session, Sergeant Joe briefly spoke to the media, apologizing to the victim’s family and only stating that “the incident happened very quickly.” while not clearly stating guilt.
He was then returned to his holding cell.
In addition to the original charges, including murder and violations of the Firearms Act (such as discharging a firearm in public and carrying one without justification) — investigators have now added a charge of insulting a public official (ดูหมิ่นเจ้าพนักงาน). This stems from the suspect’s alleged inappropriate behavior and disrespectful language toward senior officers while being taken into custody on the night of the incident. Reports indicate he made derogatory remarks, including flashing obscene gestures and claiming to be an undercover agent working on a case while arguing with superiors
The case has drawn significant attention in Pattaya, with senior officers from Chonburi Provincial Police involved in the interrogation. Sergeant Joe has reportedly been suspended from duty pending a disciplinary investigation that could lead to his dismissal from the police force on top of the various legal charges.
This is a developing story.
