Pichai Chomphupol, MP for Surat Thani from the Bhumjaithai Party, firmly denied ever threatening anyone, saying, "My nature is to give, not to be aggressive," after a police captain fired 13 shots at the sign of the Bhumjaithai Party branch office. Regarding the case, he said the legal process should proceed as usual and he would not object if the suspect is mentally ill and requires treatment.
On 20 June 2026, an assailant fired a gun at the sign and building of the Bhumjaithai Party office in Moo 6, Suai Subdistrict, Tha Chang District, Surat Thani Province, causing damage. Authorities identified the suspect as a police officer holding the rank of Police Captain, who is currently being closely pursued, as previously reported.
Later, at 13:10, special operations officers from the Investigation Division of Surat Thani Provincial Police successfully detained the suspect at a shopping mall.
Prior to this, police investigations revealed that the suspect had gone to a shopping mall and was dining at a buffet restaurant. Officers closely and carefully monitored him, knowing he carried a firearm at all times, fearing a repeat incident that could harm innocent people.
After detaining the police captain, the suspect was taken to the Surat Thani Provincial Police Investigation Division for arrest documentation, with Major General Suwat Suksri, Commander of Surat Thani Provincial Police, participating in the initial questioning.
It was later learned that the police captain holds the position of Deputy Superintendent in the administrative division of an agency under the Royal Thai Police, based in Surat Thani Province.
CCTV footage captured the suspect entering the front area of the party office center and committing the shooting incident.
Additionally, the suspect's Facebook account shared posts from MP Pichai and the Bhumjaithai Party before the final post about the food ordering system and his subsequent arrest.
Mr. Wannakorn Chusri, headman of Suai Subdistrict, revealed that before the incident, he was exercising nearby when the police captain arrived, parked, and asked if MP Pichai was present. He replied that he had not arrived yet and asked if there was a problem. The police captain claimed MP Pichai had threatened his younger sibling, then returned to his car, fired shots, and fled. He noted it was very fortunate since MP Pichai usually arrives at the party office between 08:30 and 09:00 to meet the public. Knowing the suspect's identity and that he carried two firearms caused concern for public safety.
MP Pichai Chomphupol of the Bhumjaithai Party said he did not know the suspect personally. Regarding the claim that he had threatened the suspect's sibling, Pichai firmly denied threatening anyone. He said he works to help constituents as a representative and normally arrives at the party office between 08:30 and 09:00, but the suspect came earlier that day.
At one point, MP Pichai reiterated, "I definitely have never threatened anyone. My nature is to give; I do not have the temperament or behavior to be aggressive or hostile."
Regarding reports that the suspect may have mental health issues, Pichai said that if the suspect did not intend to harm anyone but acted due to mental illness, he understands and has no objection, hoping the suspect receives proper treatment. However, if the suspect intentionally committed the act, then the case should proceed according to the law.
Reports also state that nearby CCTV footage recorded the moment of the incident, capturing clear sounds of approximately 13 gunshots.