A university gardener is in custody on suspicion for killing a fellow employee on the Rangsit campus of Thammasat University this morning.
Police said Somnuek Kaewtham, 55, opened fire and killed an administrative official at around 10am after a heated argument, then fled the scene. The shooting in front of numerous bystanders just outside the Rector’s Office was described by a university administrator as “unprecedented.”
Local police commander Kemphat Bodhipitak identified the victim as 58-year-old Amnart Niyomsakdi, a university employee in the disabled students affairs department.
According to Col. Kemphat, Somnuek and Amnart had a long history of enmity. Their dispute turned fatal today when Somnuek and Amnart got into an argument, and Somnuek abruptly pulled out a revolver and shot Amnart, Kemphat said.
Amnart died on the way to the hospital, the officer added.
Somnuek initially fled the scene on a motorcycle, but police arrested him Friday afternoon, Col. Kemphat said. He has yet to be charged with any offense.