Pol. Col. Amarin Yuyen, chief of Kut Chap Police Station, has ordered a fact-finding investigation and pledged to ensure fairness for all parties regarding the case where a deputy patrol chief, allegedly drunk, lost control of his motorcycle and veered off the road, then drew his gun and fired at rescue workers who came to assist, though the bullet misfired. The deputy claimed it was a misunderstanding, he mistook the people present, and panicked, fearing an attack. He insisted he was not intoxicated but may have been affected by medication for a chronic illness.
A Facebook user named Jirawat Panrangsi posted: “I have volunteered for half my life and helped countless people, always following rules. I nearly lost my life due to a drunk, aggressive policeman wielding a gun. Is this acceptable?” Many commented on the police officer’s behavior. The officer is from Kut Chap Police Station in Udon Thani. The poster and victim, who was caught in the unexpected incident, is the head of the rescue team from Pako Subdistrict Municipality in Kut Chap District. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on 17 May 2026 on the road between Ban Non Sung and Ban Nong Sang Phrai, near the irrigation canal bridge in Pako Subdistrict, Kut Chap District, Udon Thani.
On 18 May 2026 at 11:30 a.m., reporters visited the Pako Subdistrict Municipality office in Non Sung Village, Pako Subdistrict, Kut Chap District, Udon Thani, and met Jirawat Panrangsi, 41, head of the rescue team. He was discussing the previous night’s incident near the rescue vehicle parking lot at the municipality office before leading reporters to the accident site about 1 kilometer away. There, a blue Honda Wave motorcycle belonging to the police had crashed beside the road. Jirawat pointed out the crash site and described the events. He has not filed a complaint yet, awaiting a meeting of the municipality executives to review the incident before deciding if legal action will be taken.
Jirawat recounted that around 8 p.m. the previous night, a good Samaritan informed the rescue center about a motorcycle accident. Jirawat and five staff members with rescue vehicles went to the scene about 1 kilometer from the municipality office. Upon arrival, they checked the injured officer’s condition. Jirawat nudged the injured man awake to ask if he hurt his arm. The man’s phone and firearm had fallen nearby, having come loose from his waist during the crash.
The injured man then stood up and started shouting, “Do you know who I am?” Jirawat replied, “Yes, I do.” They are relatives; the injured man is Jirawat’s uncle. Then the man swung a punch that nearly hit Jirawat’s face. The man searched around, and when he found his gun, he drew it from the holster, chambered a round, raised it into the air, and then turned it toward Jirawat and the team. He fired a shot, but fortunately the bullet misfired. He drew the gun a second time. Jirawat jumped over him, and everyone, including bystanders, scattered and fled in different directions.
Jirawat ran to his vehicle, drove about 400 meters to pick up his team, and called the duty officer, reporting that his subordinate was very drunk and had raised a gun threatening them, despite their intention to help. He provided the location near Ban Non Sung and Nong Sang Phrai, by the entrance to Wat Pa Nong Sang Phrai. The duty officer dispatched patrol police to the scene. Upon arrival, police confiscated the firearm and conducted a preliminary inquiry. The attending officers said it was a misunderstanding and a case of mistaken identity.
“I have never encountered such an incident before. Usually, we receive thanks, but this time I was shocked and scared. From what I observed, he was very drunk. He lives in my village and is my relative. He has a habit of firing guns into the air or threatening with them, but I don’t know who he aims at.”
That morning, the man came to the office seemingly to apologize, but Jirawat was too busy to talk. Jirawat planned to discuss the matter with his superiors first. He has been with the rescue team for 4–5 years, leading the unit at Pako Subdistrict Municipality. Regarding the gun misfire, Jirawat believes it was due to the protective power of amulets he always carries, including ones from Luang Pu Suang and Luang Pho Charoen, which kept him safe during the incident.
Reporters later visited the residence in Khok Sawang Village, Moo 6, Pako Subdistrict, Kut Chap District, Udon Thani, home of Lt. Col. Amnuay Tonsai, 54, deputy patrol chief of Kut Chap Police Station and head of the detention control room. He was preparing to go out with a friend, walking unsteadily due to chronic illnesses including diabetes and gout. He declined interviews but provided a statement.
“I did not intend this. After my motorcycle skidded and fell off the road, I panicked, fearing someone would attack or rob me. So I drew my gun to threaten, not noticing what kind of vehicle had arrived or any lights. It was a misunderstanding. I am the uncle of ‘Ko,’ the rescue volunteer, but I did not realize it was my nephew because I was dizzy and disoriented from injuries to my head and left ribs. I want to apologize to my nephew as I did not mean harm and will find an opportunity to apologize in person. I have chronic gout and diabetes and did not drink alcohol. Possibly the medication I take caused this behavior.”
Reporters then went to Kut Chap Police Station to speak with Pol. Col. Amarin Yuyen about disciplinary action against Lt. Col. Amnuay Tonsai. Pol. Col. Amarin said he had received initial reports confirming the incident. The police station will investigate the facts and determine whether any disciplinary violations occurred. If criminal offenses are found, legal action will be pursued. The victim has not yet filed a formal complaint. If a complaint is made, fairness will be ensured for both the victim and the officer involved.
“If the subordinate police officer is found guilty after investigation, legal proceedings will follow. Regarding the firearm, if it is an official police weapon, it may be confiscated and taken out of service. The officer currently serves as head of the detention control room. We will ensure fairness to both parties with honesty.”