The Region 5 Police Chief ordered a review of search tactics after a San Kamphaeng patrol officer was shot at point-blank range but fortunately remained alert and avoided injury. He stressed the need for officers to have a partner. Recently, the Chiang Mai Provincial Court issued an arrest warrant for the shooter, a Hmong man from Mae Rim District, on serious charges of attempted murder of a police officer. The suspect remains at large.
The incident involved a suspect who drew a handgun from his waist and fired at Police Corporal Apiwat Mala, 27, a patrol officer at San Kamphaeng Police Station, during a search for illegal items on a road inside Ban Rai Phatthana village, Moo 8, Mae Puka Subdistrict, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai, last night. Fortunately, Corporal Apiwat was able to evade in time and was not hit or injured. The suspect then fled into the darkness, abandoning his motorcycle.
Subsequently, San Kamphaeng Police officers went to inspect the scene and found three 9mm shell casings. They also seized one motorcycle and held an urgent meeting to accelerate the pursuit and capture of the perpetrator.
This afternoon, 28 January 2026, Pol. Lt. Gen. Kritthaphon Yisakorn, Region 5 Police Chief, revealed that the case involves drug-related matters. Investigations have identified the perpetrator as a Hmong hill tribe member residing in Mae Ram Subdistrict, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province. He remains at large while police from Region 5 and Chiang Mai Provincial Police have formed teams to track him down. Authorities have solid leads but have not disclosed further details.
Regarding the conduct of Corporal Apiwat Mala in this incident, the chief said he would reinforce operational tactics. Patrols should be conducted by at least two officers, and searches must follow trained tactics for suspect apprehension. He observed that the current procedures did not comply with these tactical standards and that corrective actions will be implemented.
Tomorrow (29 Jan 2026), the chief plans to meet with Corporal Apiwat to offer consolation and present an award to boost morale. He expressed concern that the officer might be shaken but noted that it was fortunate he remained calm and escaped unharmed, preventing loss from this incident.
At one point, Pol. Lt. Gen. Kritthaphon Yisakorn said the issue of police tactics requires reprimands and directives both at Chiang Mai Provincial Police and Region 5 levels. First, patrol vehicle searches must involve at least two officers to provide mutual support. Second, searches must follow trained tactical procedures, which were not adhered to in this case. Corrections will be made accordingly.
In the latest development, reporters learned that San Kamphaeng Police investigators have compiled evidence and obtained an arrest warrant from Chiang Mai Provincial Court. The court approved the warrant for Mr. Wipak Wongwan, 36, on charges of attempted murder of a police officer during duty.
The warrant has been circulated to police stations nationwide. Investigation teams from Region 5, Chiang Mai Provincial Police, and local authorities are intensively pursuing the suspect at this time.