Nonthaburi man shot by sniper while holding baby
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POLICE have launched an investigation into the killing of a renowned crime-buster's nephew, who was shot by a sniper while he was holding his one-year-old baby outside his home in Nonthaburi province.
The shooting took place early yesterday.
One of the potential motives behind Thiwaphan Pao-in’s killing could be a Bt10-million debt he was collecting from a debtor, senior police investigator Pol Colonel Phairoj Khajornroj said.
Thiwaphan’s killing was captured on CCTV and the footage has “gone viral” on social media.
The victim’s daughter, who was dropped when the first bullet hit her father, is said to be safe. The clip shows a man trying to help Thiwaphan, but running away after more shots are heard.
Thiwaphan is the nephew of Pol Maj-General Wiroj Pao-in, who served briefly as an interim Pheu Thai Party leader last year. He also served as deputy premier in Chuan Leekpai’s government under the Chart Thai Party banner and eventually retired after serving as chief of the influential Central Investigation Bureau.
Quoting witnesses, police said the suspect has been identified as a man in his 30s, who allegedly drove a white Honda Civic sedan he had parked some 200 metres from the scene. The vehicle was seen arriving at the spot at 10pm and leaving at 12.30am.
The officer said the shooter was obviously an experienced sniper, as he successfully shot his target in the dark. Investigators also believe there may have been more than one accomplice involved.
A police source said the rifle used must have had an infrared scope, adding that three bullets had hit the victim – on the left side of his chest and both shoulders.
Thiwaphan was pronounced dead in hospital. Police were checking the type of rifle and bullets used.
