A tragic incident unfolded in southern Thailand when a 56-year-old man took his own life in police custody, just hours after shooting his wife and daughter. The incident occurred on Saturday, August 2, in the Nopphitam district of Nakhon Si Thammarat province.
The suspect, identified as Somboon, had allegedly shot his 52-year-old wife, Suphanee, and their 30-year-old daughter, Phatcharin, during a violent domestic dispute at their family home. Suphanee sustained a gunshot wound to her left leg, while Phatcharin suffered far more serious injuries—two bullets to the chest and one to the mouth. Multiple 9mm shell casings were found at the scene, indicating the intensity of the shooting.
After the attack, Somboon did not attempt to flee. Instead, he remained at the scene and surrendered to police officers from the Nopphitam Police Station. Authorities reported that he was intoxicated at the time of arrest and showed no remorse. In a chilling statement to officers, he reportedly said, “They like to meddle. They deserve a fatal shooting. They’re not dead yet? I thought they both died.”
Initial investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from an argument between Somboon and his daughter. According to police, Phatcharin had been urging her father to stop drinking and to change his disruptive behavior at home. The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation during which she struck him with a wooden stick. Enraged, Somboon retrieved a firearm and opened fire. When Suphanee tried to intervene, he shot her as well.
Following his arrest, Somboon was placed in a detention cell while police conducted further investigations. Officers noted that he continued to shout aggressively throughout the night and even expressed intentions to carry out more violence. Concerned for the safety of others, police rushed to isolate him from public contact.
The following morning, on August 3, officers discovered that Somboon had died by suicide inside the holding cell. Reports indicate that he used his own loincloth to hang himself. Investigators believe that once the effects of alcohol wore off, he may have been overwhelmed by guilt or sought to avoid the legal consequences of his actions.
While Suphanee is reportedly in stable condition, Phatcharin remains in critical care at a local hospital. Doctors are working to save her life amid the severity of her injuries.
The community has been left shaken by the shocking event, which highlights the dangers of domestic violence and substance abuse. Authorities are urging people facing emotional distress or family conflicts to seek help rather than resorting to violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or contemplating suicide, support is available. Contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or professional can make a difference. Help is always available.