Police tracked and arrested a man who fired shots inside politician Chonmasawat Asawameth’s home before fleeing in a car. A search of his residence uncovered guns and ammunition. Initially, he gave incoherent statements, claiming to be possessed by a deity.
At 10:00 a.m. on 10 February 2026, Police Colonel Jakkrit Srirojanakorn, superintendent of Samut Prakan City Police Station, received a report of a man trespassing and firing a gun inside the residence of prominent politician Chonmasawat Asawameth. The incident occurred on Thaiban Road, Pak Nam Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Prakan Province. He immediately ordered patrol officers to investigate.
Upon arrival, the caretaker stated that the suspect fled before officers arrived, driving a white Toyota Yaris registered in Bangkok. Officers quickly reviewed surveillance footage along the escape route and managed to locate and detain the suspect at a residence on Subboonchai Alley, Mueang District, Samut Prakan Province, deploying over 20 officers to control the situation.
A search of the residence uncovered two blank-firing guns, one homemade .38 caliber pistol with ammunition, and some crystal methamphetamine. The suspect was identified as Mr. Porntep, aged 48.
Authorities later took the suspect to reenact the crime scene at the house. During the reenactment, he exhibited erratic behavior and resisted officers, forcing them to use a stun gun and pepper spray to subdue him. He gave confusing statements, appeared intoxicated with drugs, and claimed to be possessed by the deity Naga.
Mr. Weerapot Wimonchayakorn, 49, the caretaker, stated that the suspect drove into the property and told security guards he was hired by "Ae Chonmasawat" to dig soil. He then parked, paid respects to the deity Heng Jia at the parking area, and entered inside the property’s fence.
When the caretaker warned him that this was private property, the suspect drew a gun and fired four shots into the air. After the gun jammed, the caretaker tackled him and seized the weapon. However, the suspect pulled out another gun to threaten him. The caretaker then escaped, and the suspect fled the scene by car. Police were subsequently notified to investigate.
Police Colonel Jakkrit revealed that, based on collected evidence and vehicle registration checks, they were able to track and arrest the suspect along with confiscating firearms and drugs. Initially, the suspect spoke incoherently, exhibited erratic behavior, and claimed possession by a deity.
Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation, filing charges according to relevant laws, and will proceed with legal action in due course.