Thread: Drunken Police Officer Fires Gun in Pattaya, Alarming Residents

A drunken police officer fired shots into the air in Pattaya, threatening local residents and prompting a response from over 50 officers.


At 2:36 PM on December 7th, Banglamung police received a report of an individual firing a gun into the air. The incident occurred in Soi Wat Boon Samphan (Soi Khao Noi) in Pattaya. Banglamung police, in coordination with Nongprue police, quickly responded to the scene.


The incident took place at a house located at the alley. The suspect was later identified by police publicly as Pol. Sgt. Sunthorn Hemphan, an officer from Na Jomtien Police Station. He was heavily intoxicated and shouting and behaving aggressively. Over 50 officers surrounded the house and evacuated nearby residents for safety. After more than 30 minutes, the suspect was subdued and disarmed. Police seized a .357-caliber handgun and three spent cartridges as evidence.

Local residents reported that Pol. Sgt. Sunthorn liked to drink alcohol and smoke cannabis. When intoxicated, he allegedly often exhibited erratic behavior, throwing objects, and firing his service weapon into the air or inside his home. However, due to him being a police officer, locals were hesitant to intervene until the incident escalated.


According to Banglamung police, the suspect had begun firing his weapon at the entrance and mid-section of Soi Khao Noi before retreating to his home. Officers subsequently cordoned off the house and managed to apprehend him. At the time of arrest, he was severely intoxicated, incoherent, and verbally abusive toward the arresting officers.


Additionally, some residents reported that the officer’s outburst stemmed from a local shop refusing to let him run a tab for alcohol and food, which might have triggered his actions.


Pol. Sgt. Sunthorn is currently being held by police while relevant authorities consider potential disciplinary and legal actions.

Drunken Police Officer Fires Gun in Pattaya, Alarming Residents - The Pattaya News

Sigh, what's the Pattaya police officer looking at? Suspended for a week and then back in the job?

he allegedly often exhibited erratic behavior, throwing objects, and firing his service weapon into the air or inside his home

They should not have guns.

Just have IRTs like everyone else and keep the toys locked away from the drunks.