RAYONG – A tense seven-hour standoff ended yesterday after special operations police (SWAT) moved in and arrested a former ranger who fired more than 20 shots in a residential area of Klaeng district. Officers followed tactical procedures and detained the suspect without injuries.
On Monday, the Provincial Police special operations unit (SWAT) in Rayong responded to reports of a man acting violently, firing into the air, and threatening residents near the bypass road in Thang Kwian, Klaeng. The incident caused widespread fear across the neighbourhood.
Police identified the suspect as Mr Chokchai Plaichumphon, aged 26, from Khon Kaen. He is a former Army Ranger with a prior record linked to narcotics and addiction. He had travelled to Wang Chan to see a friend and look for work, carrying a Glock 22, .40 calibre, with a box of ammunition.
During the late hours of November 9th, he allegedly stole a red-black Honda Wave motorcycle to flee. He also fired at least 22 rounds near a noodle shop and a truck repair garage, while shouting challenges at officers. At one point, he climbed onto a barrier on an overpass at an unfinished junction to use it as cover, which made the operation more difficult for police.
Officers sealed off a wide area, opened negotiations, and tried to wear him down. They offered a drink mixed with a sedative, yet his agitation continued. By early evening, the suspect began to tire after about seven hours. The SWAT team decided to advance, used specialist tactics to overpower him safely, and seized the handgun as evidence for prosecution.
Pol Col Setthapong Suprapian, superintendent of Klaeng Police Station, said it was fortunate the situation was resolved before it escalated, and that no civilians or officers were hurt. Police are now investigating the motive in detail and will pursue charges under the law to protect public safety in the area.
