In the early hours of August 15th, an armed man was fatally shot by undercover police officers outside Simply Tomboy Bar on Surawong Road in Bang Rak district, Bangkok, after allegedly opening fire on the officers who were attempting to search him.
The deceased, identified as Mongkol Kamonsawat, 46, was found lying face down in a pool of blood, having sustained six gunshot wounds. Police discovered a 9mm Stoeger handgun near his body with a loaded magazine and one bullet in the chamber. Motorcycle parts and numerous shell casings were also recovered at the scene.
According to the two undercover officers from Bang Rak Police Station involved in the incident, they responded to a call about a drunken man causing a disturbance outside the bar. When they arrived, they found Mongkol acting aggressively and attempted to search his motorcycle for illegal items. Upon requesting to search his person, Mongkol reportedly drew a firearm and fired at the officers, prompting them to return fire. Mongkol was killed in the exchange.
Investigators from the Forensic Department and the public prosecutor were called to the scene. The officers involved were taken to Bang Rak Police Station for further questioning, and their hands were tested for gunpowder residue. The officers’ statements, fingerprints, and gun evidence will be reviewed to ensure the consistency of their accounts.
Mongkol’s brother, Sukhom Kamonsawat, 50, expressed concerns about the police response. He stated that his brother, who had recently lost his job, had been in a long-term relationship with a woman working as a public relations officer. Sukhom believes the altercation stemmed from Mongkol discovering his partner had become involved with another woman at the bar. Sukhom also questioned whether the use of force was justified and called for an investigation into whether the police acted excessively.
Mongkol had a criminal history, including a past murder charge from over a decade ago, though he had been acquitted. The body was sent to the police forensic unit for autopsy before being returned to the family for funeral rites.
