MAE SOT– Police in Tak province are using K-9 units and drones to track down a 20-year-old Myanmar national accused of shooting a Mae Sot police officer and fleeing the scene. During the search, officers found a discarded 9 mm handgun and clothing left in a sugarcane field about 1 kilometer from where the shooting happened.
Pol. Col. Rang Daodueang, superintendent of Mae Sot Police Station, led a joint team of more than 100 people to surround and search sugarcane fields near the Mae Sot–Umphang road, close to Phalat Village (Moo 2), Mae Ku Subdistrict, Mae Sot District . The operation included local officials, soldiers from Task Force Ratchamanu, the Naresuan Forces, Border Patrol Police Company 346, and border-area village volunteers.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as Nai Ngae Reaung, 20, allegedly used a 9 mm firearm to shoot Sgt. Maj. Seksan Kanka, 51, is a squad leader in the crime suppression unit at Mae Sot Police Station.
The shooting happened during an undercover operation tied to an illegal gun sale near the roadside in the Phalat area. After the gunfire, the suspect ran into the sugarcane fields.
Police Recover 9 MM Pistol
Search teams combed the area throughout the day and began to find clues. Officers located clothing believed to belong to the suspect. Nearby, they also found a Sig Sauer P320 9 mm pistol , believed to be the weapon used in the attack.
The items were discovered near the middle of the sugarcane field. Police collected them as evidence and are checking the gun’s registration and background.
Investigators believe the suspect may still be hiding close to where the items were left. Officers have tightened the perimeter and set up checkpoints, including along crossings on the Moei River, to prevent an escape back across the border.
At Mae Sot Hospital, where Sgt. Maj. Seksan is being treated. Lt. Gen. Kittisak Durongkawiboon, commander of Provincial Police Region 6, visited to check on his condition and offer support.
Police Officer Under 24-hour Medical Care
Doctors reported that the officer underwent emergency surgery and is now out of immediate danger, but remains under close, 24-hour medical care. His wife, Jarunee Mie-ngern, has been at his side.
Dr. Suthat Apaiyagunchorn, deputy director of medical services at Mae Sot Hospital, said the bullet entered through the abdomen and exited through the back, causing internal bleeding and multiple intestinal injuries.
The surgical team operated urgently, and the officer is now awake and has been taken off the ventilator. He has been moved to an intensive care unit for surgical and neurosurgical monitoring.
Later the same day, Lt. Gen. Kittisak met with investigators and a special operations team at Mae Sot Police Station to adjust the plan for the manhunt. Authorities said a stricter sweep and search of the area would continue into the evening.
