Angry cyclist slays scolding boss

Sa-ngob Samchiangput, 51, a territorial defence volunteer at Don Tum district office in Nakhon Pathom, is interrogated after shooting dead his superior, district assistant chief Rattana Rakngarm, on Thursday. (Post Today photo)

An angry defence volunteer shot dead a senior offical inside the district office in Nakhon Pathom province after being reprimanded for riding and parking his bicycle on the second floor, police said.

Sa-ngob Samchiangput, 51, was apprehended on the ground floor of Don Tum district office shortly after gunning down senior district assistant chief Rattana Rakngarm, Pol Lt Col Ratthapol Summart, investigation officer at Don Tum police station.

Police alerted to the shooting around 3.50pm on Thursday found the body of Rattana, 39, in a pool of blood near the communications room on the ground floor of the building. He had been shot three times -- in his chest, right ear and neck, Thai media reported on Friday.

Police found three spent 9mm cartridges near his body. A bicycle was also found lying on the ground in front of the room.

Sa-ngob, 51, confessed he had shot Rattana after the senior official scolded him for riding his bicycle up to the second floor of the district office building, according to police.

He explained he had taken his bicycle up there to park it as he feared it might be stolen. He had pedalled his bike for a short distance on his way to the second floor. Rattana saw him and severely reprimanded him for biking inside the building.

Sa-ngob admitted he became angry but decided to carry his bike downstairs. But he stumbled over something along the way, causing him to throw his bike onto the yard in front of the radio communications room. Rattana was walking past at the time.

"The officer thought I intended to throw my bike at him. He lashed out at me. This drew my anger and I pulled out my pistol and fired shots at him, three times. At first I wanted to turn the gun on myself to escape punishment, but was prevented from doing so and detained at the spot,’’ the territorial volunteer said.

He said he regretted his actions, but wanted his case to be set as a precedent that superiors should treat their subordinates fairly.

Don Tum district chief Pitsanu Plaisuk said Rattana was a capable but strict administrator. He had reprimanded Mr Sangob and the two traded barbs. The volunteer then threw his bike downstairs from the second floor. He was asked to apologise, but refused.

Rattana threatened to sack him and Sa-ngob then walked downstairs and fired shots at him, the district chief said.

Sa-ngob was charged with murder and unauthorised possession of a firearm.

Nakhon Pathom governor Chartchai Uthaiphan said he would issue an order strictly controlling the carrying of weapons by terrirotial defence volunteers in government offices.