Officials in Thailand announced on Thursday that police officers will be subject to random physical and mental health checks following a 27-hour standoff involving a senior officer. The officer had barricaded himself in his home, firing a gun into the air until he was subdued by fellow officers. The officer, Kitikarn Sangbun, died in hospital of multiple gunshot wounds sustained during the standoff.
Police stated that Kitikarn had been suffering from mental health issues and stress in his personal and work life. The Inspector General’s Office has ordered nationwide health checks for police officers, and the public is encouraged to report any concerns about officers’ mental health.
Police stated that Kitikarn had been suffering from mental health issues and stress in his personal and work life. The Inspector General’s Office has ordered nationwide health checks for police officers, and the public is encouraged to report any concerns about officers’ mental health.
During the standoff, police attempted to use tear gas and stun guns to apprehend Kitikarn, and a junior officer sang to him in an effort to calm him down. Shots were exchanged as the situation escalated, resulting in Kitikarn smashing through a second-story window and being apprehended by police. An autopsy showed that Kitikarn had suffered six gunshot wounds and died from blood loss.
Senior police officers expressed regret that the situation turned deadly, and stressed that police used real bullets only after exhausting other means of control. This incident follows Thailand’s deadliest massacre in October 2021, and the country’s previous worst mass killing in 2020.
Senior police officers expressed regret that the situation turned deadly, and stressed that police used real bullets only after exhausting other means of control. This incident follows Thailand’s deadliest massacre in October 2021, and the country’s previous worst mass killing in 2020.
