BANGKOK – Police have arrested a gunman accused of shooting a highway police officer with an AK-style rifle, leaving the officer critically injured in Chachoengsao Province. During questioning, the suspect spoke in an unclear, inconsistent way, and officers said he seemed intoxicated. Investigators believe he ran after a traffic stop attempt, then opened fire.
At about 4:00 p.m. on March 2, 2026, a highway police patrol vehicle moved to stop a white Isuzu MU-X SUV. The SUV had a Chonburi licence plate and reportedly had no rear license plate attached.
As the officers attempted to pull the SUV over for inspection, police said the driver, 36-year-old Premnupong Panomsingh, pulled out an AK-style firearm and fired.
A 36-year-old highway police officer, Sgt. Det. Anusorn Engpangsrí took a bullet near the right ear area and suffered severe injuries. A 29-year-old motorcyclist, Taksin Charoenchai, was also hit by a stray round in the lower back area.
Rescue teams rushed both victims to Buddhachinaraj Hospital in Chachoengsao. Due to the seriousness of his condition, Sgt. Det. Anusorn was later transferred to Police General Hospital for urgent treatment.
Police Manhunt and Arrest
After the shooting, Chachoengsao Provincial Police special operations units (NPP), working with the “Hanuman” team, deployed officers and drones to search and seal off an area in Soi Ban Don Kha, Moo 1, Bang Toei Subdistrict, Mueang Chachoengsao District. The location was about 15 kilometers from the shooting scene.
Officers found the suspect’s SUV off the road and submerged in a water pond. From there, police spread out and searched nearby abandoned houses, the Bang Toei railway station area, nearby vacant buildings, and tall grass fields. Residents reported seeing a man walking through the area, which helped narrow the search.
At around 8:00 p.m., senior officers ordered teams to tighten the perimeter near a pond about 500 meters from where the SUV was found. Police believed the suspect was hiding in the water.
After negotiating, the suspect reportedly raised his hands, came out of the pond, and surrendered. Officers then brought him to a nearby road where he pointed out where he had thrown the firearm, about 500 meters before the entrance to Soi Ban Don Kha.
Police cleared the weapon and said the magazine still contained dozens of rounds.
Suspect’s Statement Shifted
Police said Premnupong’s account changed and didn’t follow a clear timeline. He claimed he fled because a white Fortuner was following him and he didn’t want trouble. He then said he encountered police who ordered him to stop, and he believed officers pulled a gun on him first.
Based on that claim, he said he decided to fire the AK-style rifle that was inside his vehicle.
He also told police he bought the firearm a long time ago from a neighboring country (Cambodia) for 8,500 baht, according to authorities.
Chachoengsao Provincial Police Commander Maj. Gen. Kriangkrai Boonsohn said community cooperation played a major role. Local village leaders and residents provided tips on the suspect’s route, which helped police contain the search area and carry out the arrest.
Police initially filed serious charges, including attempted murder of an officer while on duty. They also cited attempted murder related to the civilian hit by a stray bullet.
On the morning of March 3, 2026, investigators at Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station said they planned to question Premnupong again because the earlier interview produced little usable information. Officers said he appeared confused and failed to give clear answers.
After additional questioning, police planned to request pre-trial detention at Chachoengsao Provincial Court the next day. Authorities said they would not conduct a crime reenactment.
Charges listed so far
Investigators said the current charges include:
- Attempted murder of an officer while on duty
- Resisting and obstructing officers
- Carrying a firearm in public without a permit
Police added that more charges could follow if evidence supports them. Drug testing is still under review, with urine screening requiring blood results to support the case file. Meanwhile, Sgt. Det. Anusorn was transferred to Police General Hospital the previous night for emergency surgery to remove the bullet.
