Two police officers were charged with intentional murder on Wednesday after a first year university student was killed in a shootout on Tuesday in Chon Buri province.
Suriyan Ninmart and Pattana Noonoi were taken into custody at Samet police station in Muang district by their superior officers, where they were charged.
On Tuesday, the two suspects and an informant were conducting a sting operation to apprehend Santisuk Yindeesuk, said Sukkata Poompanmuang, superintendent investigator of the Provincial Police Region 2.
The two officers are attached to the anti-drug operation centre of the Provincial Police Region 2.
Pol Col Sukkata said Mr Santisuk, who had recently finished a prison term for murder and drugs charges, was travelling in a sedan along with his girlfriend Sunisa Dokduer, a political science student at Burapha University, and a man whose identity is unknown.
Mr Santisuk opened fire after he realised that Pol Sgt Suriyan and Pol Sgt Maj 1st Class Pattana were police and tried to escape. The officers fired back and eventually cornered the suspects.
Sunisa was caught in the crossfire and shot in the head, while the other man who was with them fled as the police officers confronted the gunman, said Pol Col Sukkata.
Nongnuch Dorkduer, the victim’s mother, lodged a complaint against the two officers on Wednesday.
She said the officers used excessive force and insisted that her daughter was not involved with illicit drugs.
Pol Col Sukkata said police are interrogating witnesses and gathering evidence. The case will be forwarded to the court immediately after the investigation is completed, he added.
Police will hold a meeting to decide on disciplinary action to be taken against the two officers, he added.