14-11-2023 (BANGKOK) Police are currently investigating the death of a Thai man, Weem Samutkham, who was shot in a condominium in Bangkok Noi district. Emergency rescue worker Anirut Taenglueang, residing in the same condo building as the deceased, was informed of the incident by a neighbor at 10 pm on Sunday, November 12.
Anirut discovered Weem lying on the stairs with a gunshot wound to the head. Despite calling for emergency assistance, Weem succumbed to his injuries before the medical team arrived.
Upon questioning Weem’s friends, who were present during the incident, Anirut sensed something amiss. One friend eventually revealed, “I told him not to play with the gun. He shot himself.”
Sceptical of this explanation, Anirut reported the incident to the police. Subsequent police inquiries uncovered that the trio had engaged in a drug party, using ketamine, before the shooting occurred. They claimed to have witnessed Weem playing with a gun and accidentally shooting himself. In an attempt to assist, they brought him downstairs.
The three friends, identified as Komkrit Narkjard (22), Athit Suphanworrnop (22), and Nattida Jaksarn (21), now face charges for possession of a weapon without a license. This offense could result in imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both, under Section 7 of the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and Imitation Firearms Act.
Police, however, remain unconvinced and have initiated tests to determine if gunpowder residue is present on the hands of the three friends. The results of these tests are expected within two weeks.
Weem’s mother, Thavorn Marklai (59), disputes the friends’ claims, stating that her son never owned or purchased a gun. Thavorn asserts that her son was too fearful to engage with firearms. Additional charges, including those related to drug use, may follow pending official drug tests, and further charges could be levied if the trio is found guilty of murder.
