NONG BUA LAMPHU — A 58-year-old man accused of killing three people in Nong Bua Lamphu Province surrendered to police on Thursday after a 24-hour manhunt that involved over 500 officers. The suspect, identified as Samart, was apprehended in a field in Sri Bun Rueang district.
The shootings, reportedly driven by a personal vendetta, have left the local community shaken. Authorities say the violence stemmed from a dispute with one of the victims, Preecha, who had accused Samart of stealing 10,000 baht from his disability welfare payment. Samart also allegedly targeted Preecha’s sister, Lek, believing she influenced her brother to report the theft to the police.
Samart, a motorcycle mechanic, was known to have a strong interest in firearms, operating an informal gun pawn shop. Investigators confirmed he was in possession of multiple weapons, including an unregistered 9mm pistol, which was used in the attack. Two bullet casings were recovered at the scene.
The case also brought fear to Samart’s own family, particularly his son, Jessada “Pang,” and daughter-in-law in Udon Thani Province. Samart had posted threatening messages online, prompting concerns for their safety. Speaking to reporters, Jessada described his father as emotionally unstable, a change he attributed to his father’s second marriage and ongoing financial tensions.
Local authorities have placed Lek under police protection amid safety concerns. The incident underscores persistent issues of illegal firearm possession and the escalation of financial disputes into violent acts. Police are continuing their investigation as Samart remains in custody.
