Bangkok: Clues have emerged regarding the two gunmen involved in the shooting of Uthenthawai students, with both perpetrators having concealed their identities. The incident, occurring ahead of the institute’s founding anniversary, bears similarities to a previous year’s crime. The deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau has requested time to investigate further, acknowledging the familiarity of the crime’s pattern but has yet to confirm if it stems from an institutional conflict.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, convened a meeting with relevant officials and representatives from educational institutions to discuss security strategies for the upcoming anniversary of Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Uthenthawai Campus, also known as Blue Day, on February 1. The discussions lasted over two hours, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Pol. Lt. Col. Noppasin Poolsawat, deputy commissioner and spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Bureau, disclosed that the investigation unit at Pathumwan Police Station suspects two individuals were involved in the attack. However, their identities remain unclear. The suspects reportedly used a motorcycle with an unverified license plate to commit the crime, while concealing their identities with helmets, jackets, sneakers, and long pants. Bullet fragments from a .38 caliber were found at the scene, suggesting the use of a revolver, but no casings were discovered.
Authorities believe the gunmen intended to cause harm, though the motive-whether institutional or personal-remains under investigation. The crime’s timing, coinciding with the founding of the Uthenthawai Campus, suggests premeditation. The suspects had reportedly planned their target and escape route meticulously and are believed to still be in Bangkok.
In response, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner has emphasized enhanced security measures due to public safety concerns following the incident. While no bystanders were harmed, the proximity of Uthenthawai to a tourist area raises the risk of collateral damage. Consequently, the Crime Suppression, Investigation, and Crowd Control Divisions have been instructed to bolster security, deploy additional personnel in high-risk areas, and establish checkpoints to intercept suspicious individuals.
Historically, the police have implemented preventive plans for Blue Day, although the perpetrators have managed to exploit opportunities to carry out their actions. In light of this, the police have revised their monitoring strategy to prevent a recurrence and assure public and tourist safety.
This afternoon, the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Patrol and Special Operation Division assembled at Pathumwan Police Station to maintain vigilance during Blue Day at the Eastern Technological University, Uthenthawai Campus. Officers have been urged to remain alert and act against any suspicious individuals to safeguard public safety.
Currently, police presence is reinforced around the Eastern Technological University, Uthenthawai Campus, with officers securing the premises both internally and externally. Students continue their preparations for Blue Day, despite the heightened security. Meanwhile, investigators and forensic officers from Pathumwan Police Station are collecting evidence and documenting the crime scene to aid the ongoing investigation.
