Drug Suspect Opens Fire on Police During Intense Wang Noi Stand-off

Wang Noi: Police officers from Wang Noi Police Station found themselves in a tense stand-off when they attempted to arrest Mr. Manop, a 35-year-old suspect with an outstanding warrant related to a drug case. The incident unfolded in a dormitory located in Tambon Payom, Amphoe Wang Noi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.

According to Thai News Agency, upon reaching the location, police discovered that the door was locked from the inside. Despite identifying themselves and requesting Mr. Manop to open the door, he refused and responded by firing a gun from within the room. The officers engaged in negotiations that stretched over an hour before Mr. Manop agreed to surrender. He emerged from the room, placing the gun outside, and was subsequently taken into custody. The police also seized a significant cache of guns and ammunition from the site.

During the investigation, Mr. Manop explained that he panicked when the officers called for him and fired a shot, requesting time to speak with his mother over the phone. Another shot was fired into the ceiling when he was startled by the police’s continued demands. After speaking with his mother, he chose to surrender, unaware of the arrest warrant against him. He mentioned that he and his girlfriend had been residing in the dormitory for only 2-3 months.

The police have charged Mr. Manop with multiple offenses, including attempted murder of an officer, obstructing an officer in duty, discharging a firearm without reasonable cause in a populated area, and illegal use of Category 1 narcotics, specifically methamphetamine. Mr. Manop and the collected evidence have been transported to Wang Noi Police Station for further legal proceedings.