BANGLAMUNG, Chonburi: Banglamung Police took Police Sub-Lieutenant Thassaphong Thongthach into custody early Thursday after more than 20 hours of negotiations at his home, ending a tense standoff that began when he fatally shot his wife, a homeroom teacher, at a kindergarten with dozens of students present nearby.
Thassaphong, 55, known as “Lieutenant Oh,” deputy patrol inspector at Banglamung Police Station, surrendered at about 6:20 a.m. after his son continued overnight efforts to persuade him to come out. Officers said he was unarmed when he emerged and told them where he had left the firearm.
The siege followed the shooting of Pailin Thongthach, 48, known as “Teacher Ple,” a teacher at Nong Pla Lai Municipal Kindergarten in Banglamung district. Police said she was killed on school grounds on Wednesday morning. Forty-four children and staff were evacuated; no pupils were reported injured. After the shooting, Thassaphong drove back to the family house, about three kilometers from the school. Armed officers surrounded the residence and spent the rest of the day and night trying to talk him out.
His son, Police Senior Sergeant Major Rachat Thongthach, known as “Folk,” also a police officer and stationed in southern Thailand, flew in and spent hours at the scene. On Wednesday night he stood near a window and pleaded through tears for his father to speak to him, saying no one would harm him and that he wanted to hug him. There was no reply at that time, and officers pulled him back for safety. Relatives and other people close to Thassaphong had already failed to draw a response.
Negotiations resumed before dawn. Thai reports said the son moved closer to the house after 6 a.m. and called to his father again. At 6:20 a.m., Thassaphong came out and sat in front of the house. His son approached, embraced him, and both men wept before police took control and transferred the suspect to Banglamung Police Station. Pol. Maj. Gen. Phongphan Wongmanithet, Chonburi provincial police commander, said the surrender was peaceful and that there was no further violence.
Banglamung police said the suspect appeared exhausted and under severe stress after the long standoff. The area around the house was later declared safe and returned to normal, while officers continued legal procedures. Police Col. Sarawut Nuchanart, superintendent of Banglamung Police Station, said Thassaphong surrendered of his own accord after his son’s persistent appeals.
Investigators have pointed to marital conflict as a possible motive. Legal proceedings against Thassaphong are continuing.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
