The death toll from a shooting following a dispute between a Border Patrol Police officer and motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok's Huai Khwang district early Sunday morning has risen to two.
The second victim died in hospital, police said today.
The officer, who allegedly opened fire on a group of motorcycle taxi drivers after an argument over a fare before fleeing the scene, has surrendered to police. He has also been officially suspended from duty pending the outcome of an investigation.
Police were alerted to the shooting near the entrance of Pracha Songkhro Soi 38 in Din Daeng district at about 2.50am on June 14.
According to witnesses, the incident began when a man dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt asked for a ride to the Makkasan area. The motorcycle taxi drivers at the stand reportedly quoted a fare of 120 baht, which the man considered excessive.
An argument ensued after the drivers advised him to take a taxi instead. The suspect then allegedly drew a handgun and fired several shots at the motorcycle taxi drivers.
One person was killed at the scene and two others were seriously injured.
Emergency medical personnel rushed the wounded men to hospital, where one later succumbed to his injuries, raising the death toll to two.
The gunman subsequently turned himself in at Makkasan Police Station, where he was identified as Pol. Snr. Sgt. Maj. Namthap, 33, attached to Border Patrol Police Subdivision 21.
Officers seized a 9mm Sig Sauer semi-automatic handgun and a magazine containing ammunition as evidence. The suspect reportedly admitted that he had argued with the motorcycle taxi drivers before opening fire.
In a statement, the Border Patrol Police Bureau said the officer was on personal leave at the time of the incident. It confirmed that he is now in police custody and is being detained at Huai Khwang Police Station pending legal proceedings.
The bureau said a disciplinary committee has been established to investigate the incident and that the officer has been suspended from duty pending the outcome of the inquiry.
It pledged that the investigation would be conducted fairly, transparently and in accordance with the justice process, adding that further details would be released as they become available.
