Bangkok: The family of a 63-year-old man who was shot and killed by police officers from Tao Poon Police Station are taking legal action, accusing the officers of using excessive force during the incident. The man, who was reportedly intoxicated and threatening his wife, was fatally shot when he allegedly attempted to attack the police with a knife.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident unfolded when a patrol unit responded to a domestic disturbance report at a residence in the Bang Sue District. The officers encountered the man, identified as Mr. Adul, who was reportedly in a state of aggression. In an effort to subdue him, the police claim they acted in self-defense after the man allegedly raised a knife towards them.
Ms. Gib, the daughter of the deceased, recounted her experience of the tragic event. She described hearing gunshots and rushing to the scene, only to discover that her father had been shot multiple times by the police. Autopsy results revealed that Mr. Adul had sustained five gunshot wounds: one to the heart, two to the chest, one to the arm, and one to the leg. Ms. Gib questioned the necessity of such force, especially given that prior incidents involving her father had been resolved without violence.
The family is demanding the release of bodycam footage to ascertain the circumstances of the shooting, particularly whether Mr. Adul was shot at close range. They argue that past encounters with the police, specifically regarding domestic disturbances, did not escalate to such a level of violence.
The family is in mourning and has initiated traditional rites at Wat Wetwan Thammarat in Bangkok, with a cremation ceremony planned. Ms. Gib remains resolute in her belief that the situation could have been deescalated without lethal force and continues to seek justice for her father's death. The case has sparked discussions on the protocols and training of police officers in handling volatile situations.