Army Sergeant Shoots Estranged Wife in Phichit, Remains at Large

A serving sergeant with the Royal Thai Army has shot his estranged wife in broad daylight on a Phichit province roadway and remains at large. The victim is in critical condition at Chai Arun Wetchakan Hospital following emergency surgery. The suspect, armed with a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, has evaded capture for more than 24 hours, prompting an active manhunt by provincial police and military authorities.

The Shooting

On April 11, Sergeant First Class Auttasit Phophan, attached to a military unit in Nakhon Sawan province, intercepted a sedan on Phichit-Dong Klang Road in Mueang district. The vehicle carried his estranged wife, Ms. Krutchakaew, and her new partner, Mr. Kittipipat. Witnesses report Auttasit exited his pickup truck carrying a 9 mm pistol and fired two rounds into Ms. Krutchakaew's left rib cage at point-blank range before fleeing northbound.

Kittipipat drove the critically wounded woman to the hospital, where surgeons performed emergency thoracic surgery. She remains unable to provide testimony to investigating officers. On April 12, her condition was reported as "serious but stable." One bullet fragment was successfully removed; the second projectile remains lodged near her spine, posing potential complications.

Suspected Motive

Preliminary investigations suggest jealousy preceded the attack. Auttasit allegedly became enraged after learning his wife attended a religious ordination ceremony alongside another man. Investigators believe he monitored her movements using social media and physical surveillance before positioning himself along her route home. The couple had separated weeks earlier, though no formal restraining order had been filed.

Manhunt and Charges

Dong Pa Kham Police Station has issued an arrest warrant for Auttasit on charges of attempted murder under Section 288 of the Thai Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment. Authorities warn the public not to approach the suspect, who remains armed and is considered volatile. Provincial police have coordinated with military police units to search barracks, residences, and known associates' addresses.

Military Accountability

The Royal Thai Army maintains explicit regulations governing domestic violence by active-duty personnel. Soldiers convicted of family violence face confinement, administrative discharge, and command responsibility sanctions. However, civil society organizations, including the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, have repeatedly criticized inconsistent enforcement and the tendency to treat such cases as internal discipline matters rather than criminal offenses requiring external oversight.

Domestic Violence Context

Thailand ranks among the top 10 nations globally for intimate partner violence. Jealousy-related attacks are common, and the presence of firearms—whether military-issue or private—dramatically escalates lethality. Advocates emphasize that awareness, prevention training, and mandatory weapon surrender protocols in domestic violence cases could prevent similar tragedies.

Support Resources

Anyone experiencing domestic violence can contact the 1300 hotline operated by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, available in Thai and English. The service provides legal guidance, shelter referrals, and psychological counseling. Under the Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act, courts can issue emergency protection orders within 24 hours, and hospitals provide forensic medical documentation for assault victims that serves as evidence in legal proceedings.