PHITSANULOK – A frightening scene played out in central Phitsanulok after a man, upset and jealous over his wife, got drunk early in the day and later went on a rampage with a knife. Residents in the area panicked and called police, but officers struggled to calm him down.
A Taser didn’t stop him, so officers eventually used a firearm and shot him in the thigh to end the threat.
Police in Phitsanulok City received the report at about 3:45 p.m. on January 6. The incident happened in Soi Boromtraillokanat 45, in the city area. More than 10 motorcycle patrol officers were sent to the scene to control the situation.
When officers arrived, they found a man in a black-and-white soccer jersey and black shorts, appearing heavily intoxicated. He was waving a knife and shouting. He was later identified as 48-year-old Sinchai, who lives near Boromtraillokanat 2 Road in Nai Mueang Subdistrict.
Officers tried to talk him into putting the knife down, but he stayed aggressive and moved as if he was going to attack. They used a Taser to restrain him, but it didn’t work. The man kept coming at the officers, so the police fired one live round into his thigh. He was injured and then taken into custody.
A witness said the man had damaged items inside his home before stepping outside with the knife. The witness, who was doing laundry at a nearby coin-operated machine, said plates and a table were smashed.
Outside, an elderly shop owner nearby shouted for help in fear. The witness called the police and asked five friends to come over for support.
The same witness said the man asked if they were vocational students, then rushed toward them as if to attack. Officers arrived shortly after and took control of the area.
Phitsanulok City Police said early checks with the man’s wife found the couple had argued since the morning. The man reportedly suspected she was seeing someone else. He then sat drinking in front of the house for much of the day before losing control.
They believe the main cause was jealousy mixed with heavy drinking. Officers also suspected he may have had drugs in his system, which could explain why the Taser failed to stop him.
Rescue workers from Phitsanulok, Prasat Boon Sathan Foundation, took him to Buddhachinaraj Phitsanulok Hospital for treatment, with police monitoring him closely.
