Following a recent shooting incident, five senior officers from Hua Hin Police Station have been reassigned. The incident involved Jakrit Worawongphanichkul, also known as “Zen,” a 34-year-old former advisor to the Hua Hin Police Station, who allegedly shot and killed Sergeant Major Rojchanaphon Rochanachaphanich, 31, on August 18, 2024. The shooting occurred at a bar on Soi Hua Hin 80 in Hua Hin municipality. In addition to Sergeant Major Rojchanaphon, three other male patrons were injured by stray bullets.
Jakrit, who turned himself in to the authorities shortly after the incident, confessed to shooting Sergeant Major Rojchanaphon with a 9mm firearm. He was subsequently charged with premeditated murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a firearm in public without a permit. Despite these charges, Jakrit was later granted bail.
Concerns over potential influence due to Jakrit’s connections with local police have led the family of Sergeant Major Rojchanaphon to seek assistance from an activist, fearing a lack of impartiality in the investigation.
On September 2, 2024, Police Major General Chamlom Ngamnet, the Provincial Police Commander of Prachuap Khiri Khan, issued Order No. 321/2567. This order, following a prior directive to establish a fact-finding committee (Order No. 2994/2567), was prompted by the shooting at TINY Bar on August 18. The investigation, which began at 4:00 a.m., found Sergeant Major Rojchanaphon deceased at the scene.
To ensure a fair and thorough investigation, five senior officers from Hua Hin Police Station have been temporarily reassigned to the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Police Operations Center. The officers affected by this decision are:
- Police Colonel Kampanat Na Wichai, Hua Hin Police Station Superintendent
- Police Lieutenant Colonel Wichai Sangam, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation
- Police Lieutenant Colonel Worath Krungkanjana, Deputy Superintendent of Prevention and Suppression
- Police Lieutenant Colonel Sathianpong Kraipinit, Inspector of Investigation
- Police Lieutenant Colonel Damgoeng Rueanwilai, Inspector of Prevention and Suppression
This reassignment is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice, in accordance with the National Police Act, 2022, and the National Police Office regulations 2023.
