Fourteen officers are facing negligence charges in connection to the fatal shooting of a highway patrol officer which occurred at the residence of a former local administrator in Nakhon Pathom province earlier this month, as per police sources.
Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn confirmed on Sunday that these 14 officers neglected to assist two fellow officers who were fired upon during a gathering at the home of Praween Chankhlai, also known as Kamnan Nok, situated in Muang district on the evening of September 6.
The individuals attacked were Pol Maj Siwakorn Saibua, a 32-year-old highway police inspector who tragically died from numerous gunshot wounds, and Pol Lt Col Wasin Panpee, both of whom were part of the Highway Police Sub-division 2.
Those facing charges encompass police colonels holding positions as station chiefs, assistant police inspectors, and seven non-commissioned officers.
The tragic incident unfolded when Mr. Praween, aged 35, hosted a gathering at his residence in tambon Takong on September 6. Around 30 officers were allegedly present at the event.
Initial reports indicate that Pol Maj Siwakorn denied Mr. Praween’s plea during the event to promote his relative, who serves as a highway patrol officer.
Subsequently, an individual in close association with Mr. Praween discharged several bullets at Pol Maj Siwakorn from a close distance. A number of stray bullets struck and wounded Pol Lt Col Wasin.
The event sparked nationwide anger as the officers present did not arrest the shooter and Mr. Praween, allowing them to escape the premises.
Later, the assailant was killed in a non-judicial execution. Mr. Praween, who is considered a suspect in this case, surrendered to the authorities, who are now investigating his business affairs.
Previously, Pol Gen Surachate revealed that the analysis of footage from CCTV systems at Mr. Praween’s residence highlighted misleading statements made by several attendees at the gathering.
A corrections officer was terminated for removing the servers from the residence and discarding them into the water.
