PATHUM THANI, Thailand – A long-standing conflict between neighbors over dogs and cats took a tragic turn on the morning of September 9 when a retired army colonel shot and killed a female neighbor before turning the gun on himself.
At approximately 7:50 a.m., Khlong Luang Police Station received a report of a shooting in the Chat Luang 14 Village, Khlong Sam Subdistrict. Upon arrival, police found two deceased individuals and one person injured.
The shooter, Col. Jaruchart Jarupan, 64, was found dead in front of his house. He had shot himself with a 9mm Sig Sauer P365 pistol. His neighbor, Mrs. Saowakul Sasadoh, 53, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds, including to her hand, right elbow, left cheek, and abdomen. Her son, Krittin Natwil, 30, was injured after being shot in the left hand and was taken to a nearby hospital.
According to Mrs. Anothai Jarupan, 63, wife of the shooter, the conflict with their neighbors had been ongoing for over six months, stemming from arguments about pets. The dispute escalated this morning when her husband, talking loudly on the phone, was misunderstood by the neighbors, who began yelling insults. After a heated exchange, Col. Jaruchart retrieved a gun and shot Mrs. Saowakul, before turning the weapon on himself.
Krittin, the victim’s son, confirmed that the conflict arose from a long-standing issue involving their neighbor’s cats entering their property, which led to repeated arguments.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, and the bodies have been sent for autopsies at Thammasat University Hospital. Family members have been notified and will proceed with funeral arrangements. (TNA)
