PHICHIT — A domestic tragedy unfolded on the streets of Phichit this week as an army sergeant surrendered to police following a violent roadside shooting. The suspect, an Army Sergeant Major, reportedly opened fire on his wife after discovering her with another man, just weeks before their scheduled wedding.
On April 12, 2026, Sergeant Major Atthasit (last name withheld), 46, turned himself in at the Dong Pa Kham Police Station. Accompanied by his lawyer and relatives, the sergeant met with investigators to address the charges of attempted murder stemming from an incident on the Phichit-Dong Klang road.
According to reports from Thairath, the interrogation lasted nearly two hours. Police Major General Songpon Sangkasem, Commander of the Phichit Provincial Police, stated that the suspect provided “useful testimony” and expressed deep remorse for his actions.
The motive behind the shooting appears to be a volatile mix of heartbreak and sudden rage. Sergeant Atthasit, who is stationed at a military camp in eastern Thailand, had recently returned from a demanding deployment at the border.
The sergeant shared the following details during his emotional statement:
- Long-term Relationship: The couple had been together for four years.
- Upcoming Nuptials: They were officially set to be married next month.
- The Incident: After returning from duty, the sergeant sought out his fiancée at a local ordination ceremony. Upon arrival, he witnessed her in the company of another man, which he described as a “deeply upsetting sight.”
In a moment of impulsive anger, the sergeant used his pickup truck to intercept the victim’s sedan. He then drew a handgun and fired, seriously injuring 48-year-old Ms. Kritkaew.
The victim suffered a single gunshot wound to her right ribcage. Emergency services transported her to a local hospital, where doctors confirmed the bullet remains lodged in her body. As of the latest police update, her condition is considered severe but stable.
Legal Proceedings and Military Jurisdiction
Because the suspect is an active-duty soldier, the legal process follows a specific protocol:
- Initial Confession: The suspect has admitted to the shooting.
- Military Court: The case will be transferred to the military court system for prosecution.
- Bail Consideration: Decisions regarding bail will be handled by military judicial officials rather than civil police.
The Phichit Provincial Police continue to work with military investigators to ensure all evidence is documented for the upcoming trial. This case has sparked renewed discussions across Thailand regarding domestic violence and the mental health support available to military personnel returning from high-stress border assignments.
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Police Launch Manhunt After Army Sergeant Shoots His Wife in Phichit, Northern Thailand
