Police at Bang Pla Ma Station imposed the maximum fine of 5,000 baht on Village Headman Tee of Village 7 for firing a gun in tribute to the hermit on Chinese New Year. He admitted to reading the law but not thoroughly understanding it.
On 17 February 2026, a video circulated on social media via TikTok and news outlets showing a man firing a long rifle into a pond inside a house, accompanied by the caption "Village Headman Tee, Village 7, Sali Subdistrict."
Later on 17 Feb 2026, Mr. Direk Phophaichit, Deputy Chief of Bang Pla Ma District, filed a complaint to press charges against Mr. Thanaphisit, or Village Headman Tee, aged 44, from Village 7, Sali Subdistrict, Bang Pla Ma District, Suphanburi Province, the perpetrator.
Police Major General Watcharin Prapodee, Commander of Suphanburi Provincial Police, ordered Police Colonel Kittiphan Sena-udon, Chief of Bang Pla Ma Police Station, and Police Colonel Kanchit Khowat-chai, Chief of Investigation, to inspect the house. They found the firearm was registered and had a valid possession license.
He was charged with "discharging a firearm in a town, village, or community without reasonable cause" under Criminal Code Section 376. He was fined the maximum amount of 5,000 baht at Bang Pla Ma Police Station, Suphanburi Province.
The reporter noted that at times Village Headman Tee raised his hands in apology to the community and explained that the gun was fired in tribute to the hermit on Chinese New Year. He acknowledged reading the law but not understanding it deeply.