BANGKOK – Police in Pathum Thani are stepping up their search for an armed man in his 30s wanted over a violent incident on a Chon Buri motorway. Because of the risk to the public, officials shut at least 14 schools today.
The suspect, Nopparat (also reported as Nopparat Jinto or “L”), has not been caught and is believed to be hiding in Lat Lum Kaeo district, just north of Bangkok.
The case started on Sunday after a roadside dispute. Investigators say the man attacked his wife and later fired at a motorway rescue truck. No one was hurt in the shooting. Still, the incident triggered a search across multiple provinces.
Timeline of the Suspect’s Alleged Actions
- Sunday evening (Chon Buri province): On Motorway 7 in Bang Lamung district, rescue workers approached a pickup truck parked in a risky spot. Police say the driver, later identified as Nopparat, argued with his wife or girlfriend. Some reports name her as Kanchana, age 26. After the rescuers drove away, he reportedly chased their vehicle and fired two shots. The bullets damaged the tires. He then left his truck behind, with sacks of kratom leaves inside, and ran into nearby woods with his partner.
- After that, the woman later got away and filed a complaint with Chon Buri police. Reports also say the suspect may have stolen a sidecar motorcycle during his escape. At one point, his partner reportedly hid under a foam box.
- Move into Pathum Thani: Authorities think Nopparat fled to a home in the Lat Lum Kaeo district. During searches, police found several firearms at that property.
- Threat reports and school closures: Rumors spread that the suspect threatened to harm children or shoot at a school. As a result, education officials and local police issued urgent orders. At least 17 schools, mostly in Lat Lum Kaeo, closed for the day as a precaution. Some reports also mention nearby parts of Nonthaburi. The Ministry of Education and local pages confirmed the shutdowns. Officials stressed that nothing happened at any school, but they chose to act early to protect students and staff.
Pol Col Dusadee, a senior officer working on the case, said the reported threat toward children played a key role in Wednesday’s decision. He said officers are treating the situation seriously and focusing on public safety while they track the suspect.
Police Response and Search Efforts
Pathum Thani police are working with officers from Chon Buri and nearby provinces. They have increased security across the area and set up checkpoints. Teams are also searching wooded zones and residential neighborhoods where the suspect might be staying.
So far, authorities report no gunfire at any school and no injuries connected to the ongoing hunt.
The case has also raised concerns about guns and domestic violence in Thailand. Investigators say they found signs of illegal kratom transport at the original scene, which may add drug-related charges.
How Residents Are Coping
Many parents in Lat Lum Kaeo said the school closures brought some relief. At the same time, they remain uneasy because police have not located the suspect. One mother told local media that closing schools feels safer, because children come first.
Schools should return to normal once police say the area is safe. Until then, provincial education offices will share updates. Officials also asked families to stay calm and rely on confirmed announcements. No broad closures outside the affected districts have been ordered.
The fast school shutdowns show how quickly Thai authorities move when an armed suspect may pose a risk. Police also asked the public to help. Anyone with information about Nopparat’s location should contact Lat Lum Kaeo Police Station or call emergency lines right away. Updates are expected as the search continues.
