5-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Chaos ensued at Cha-am Hospital yesterday evening as a man armed with a gun and a knife instigated a rampage, culminating in a confrontation with the police that left him injured. Local authorities swiftly responded to a distress call reporting a disturbance within the hospital’s in-patient building. Upon arrival, they encountered the assailant, identified as 34-year-old Somchai, who was brandishing a menacing 10-inch knife and displaying aggressive behavior.
The tense situation escalated dramatically when Somchai began to threaten the police officers, compelling them to take swift action. In response to the imminent danger, the officers discharged their firearms, firing a total of six shots and successfully striking Somchai in the legs and surrounding areas. Subsequent investigations of his person uncovered a cache of evidence, including 50 methamphetamine pills, a 9mm handgun, a knife, and a replica firearm, all of which were promptly seized.
Earlier in the day, the commotion had begun when Somchai, seemingly in a frenzied state, utilized a stone to vandalize the security guard booth at the Cha-am police checkpoint. During this act, he menacingly brandished a firearm, subjecting the officers stationed inside to a terrifying ordeal. Subsequently, he hastily fled the scene in a white Toyota pickup truck with an elevated carriage, bearing license plate number ถอ 6645 Bangkok. However, his escape was marred by a collision with a police vehicle during the frantic pursuit.
Unfazed by the collision, Somchai continued his reckless escapade, subsequently engaging in yet another collision with a separate police car. His ultimate destination was Cha-am Hospital, where his wife was receiving treatment for kidney disease. However, upon arrival, his agitation resurfaced, leading him to threaten the hospital’s security personnel and brazenly claim possession of illicit substances. His distressing actions escalated further as he attempted to assault the hospital staff, prompting the authorities to react swiftly and decisively, resulting in his shooting by the responding police officers.
As the investigation into this harrowing incident unfolds, authorities diligently piece together the events that transpired, seeking to comprehend the motivations and circumstances leading to this violent outburst. The local news outlet, KhaoSod, has reported that investigators are focusing on Somchai’s background, including his mental health history, in their pursuit of understanding the underlying factors contributing to the incident.
