Police said the incident was first reported at about 1:50pm, when the couple’s son, Wichayut Pothisri, contacted officers to report that his father, Tatpong Pothisri, had become drunk and fired several shots into the air at their home near the popular waterfall located behind Wat Phra Thong.
Police and security support units rushed to the scene, where they apprehended Tatpong.
His wife, 35-year-old Wipaporn Janthawong, was taken to Thalang Hospital with a gunshot wound to her right shoulder, which police said exited from the front of her body. Luckily, the bullet did not hit any vital organs.
She told officers that after being informed her husband had fired three shots into the air, she went to collect some belongings. While driving away, she heard another gunshot and realised she had been shot. Neighbours then helped take her to hospital.
Police conducted a search at the house linked to the incident and reported seizing a 9mm handgun, two homemade firearms and a large quantity of assorted ammunition, including 9mm, .38-calibre, 11mm and 12-gauge rounds. Officers said the 9mm handgun was found on the suspect’s person at the time of arrest.
A background check revealed that the suspect had previously faced legal action in another assault case. Police said he had no legal permit to own firearms and claimed he had bought the weapons online. He allegedly told officers that he acted due to stress and ongoing marital conflict. The couple have two children and have been married for 19 years.
Thalang Police confirmed Tatpong has been charged with drunk and disorderly conduct, discharging a firearm in public, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and attempted murder. He remains in custody as further legal proceedings continue.