A police officer in Thailand allegedly shot and killed his estranged wife and injured her mother outside a fitness centre in Buriram province before being restrained by gym trainers who prevented him from fleeing the scene.
The incident took place at around 3.20pm on June 17 outside a two-storey fitness centre located behind Sra Ya Ma Market in Nang Rong district.
Emergency responders and officers from Nang Rong Police Station rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a shooting.
Wife Dies At Scene, Mother-In-Law Injured
Authorities identified the deceased woman as 37-year-old Treeraya, also known as Bam. She was found outside the fitness centre with a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her 58-year-old mother, Mantana, sustained a gunshot wound to her shoulder and was rushed to hospital for treatment. She is reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect was identified as Police Captain Teerapong, who allegedly attempted to leave the area after the shooting.
However, two fitness trainers intervened and managed to restrain him until police officers arrived.
Video footage circulating online showed one trainer holding the suspect from behind while another assisted in preventing him from escaping.
Their actions have since been widely praised on Thai social media, with many commending their bravery for confronting an armed individual.
Couple Had Been Living Separately For Three Years
According to witnesses, the suspect allegedly grabbed Mantana and shot her in the shoulder before calling out to his wife.
Witnesses claimed he shouted, “Bam, come here!” before allegedly firing a fatal shot at her.
Local media reported that the couple shared two children, aged nine and five.
Although they had been living separately for more than three years, divorce proceedings had not been officially completed.
Reports indicated that Treeraya wanted to proceed with a divorce, while her husband was allegedly unwilling to end the marriage.
Investigators believe jealousy may have been a possible motive, although authorities stressed that investigations are still ongoing.
Community Left Shocked
The victim and her family were reportedly well-known in Nang Rong and Nong Ki districts and were regarded as a prominent local family.
The incident has shocked residents and sparked widespread discussions online regarding domestic violence and the dangers of unresolved relationship disputes.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and are expected to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.