Sub. Lt. Somdej Kwangnin himself in to Sattahip
police about 10 hours after he allegedly gunned down mineral company
executive Taworn Songwonsat.
Patcharapol Panrak
A Royal Thai Navy officer has been charged with attempted murder for
shooting a Nonthaburi man who intervened in a fight between the officer and
the officer’s wife.
Sub Lt. Somdej Kwangnin, 44, turned himself in to Sattahip police around 11
a.m. Sept. 17, about 10 hours after he allegedly gunned down mineral company
executive Taworn Songwonsat, 56, at the 10 Salung rice restaurant in Moo 3
village.
Taworn, who suffered a through-and-through chest wound, was reported in
critical condition at Queen Sirikit Naval Medical Center. The suspect was
released on bail in respect for his military service.
Restaurant owner Songkram Khanthong said the shooting occurred after Taworn
tried to break up a vociferous argument between Somdej and his wife at the
next table. Not heeding the officer’s advice to mind his own business,
Taworn found himself at the business end of a 38-caliber pistol. Songkram
said Somdej then fired five shots, hitting the victim once and scattering
the restaurant patrons.
