Gun accident in Cha-am leaves one dead, one injured

A gun accident in Cha-am has left one person dead and another injured after a man from Phetchaburi claimed his firearm discharged accidentally, with the bullet striking a police officer’s son.

The incident occurred on Sunday 12 April, when officers from Cha-am Police Station were alerted by Cha-am Hospital that a seriously injured gunshot victim had been admitted. Police investigators and motorcycle patrol units were dispatched, and senior officers were informed.

At the hospital’s emergency room, officers found 25-year-old Nattadanai “Dom” Keerikin, the son of a police officer attached to Cha-am Police Station, with a gunshot wound to the right side of his abdomen. The bullet remained lodged inside his body. He was given emergency treatment before being transferred to Phra Chomklao Hospital for surgery, where he later died from his injuries.

Another individual, identified as 24-year-old Jiraphan “Aum” Chaelor, sustained a gunshot wound to his left wrist. He was accompanied by two friends at the time.

Police investigation into Cha-am gun accident

While officers were escorting Jiraphan to identify the scene of the incident, the two accompanying individuals took advantage of the confusion at the hospital to leave the premises. Authorities were unable to apprehend them immediately and are continuing efforts to locate and question them.

Police later took Jiraphan to a residence in Village 9, Ban Hub Kapong, in Khao Yai subdistrict, where the incident is believed to have taken place. A black 9mm semi-automatic handgun and one round of ammunition were recovered as evidence.

During initial questioning, Jiraphan told police he had purchased the firearm from a group of friends but did not know how to use it properly. He said the gun discharged into his own hand, and the bullet then struck Nattadanai, who had been sitting nearby.

Police have charged Jiraphan with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, causing death through negligence, and illegal use of a Category 1 narcotic. He remains in custody as legal proceedings continue.

Authorities said they are preparing to summon the two individuals who fled the hospital for further questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.