Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai – A violent shooting erupted at a forest checkpoint early Wednesday morning when an intoxicated park ranger, fresh off a two-night patrol, opened fire on his own colleagues after being denied entry into the protected wilderness.

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The chaos unfolded around 9 AM at the Phatang Forest Protection Unit within the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. Police Colonel Seksan Khankhamnanta confirmed that three rangers were wounded in the exchange—two shot by their drunken colleague, who was then gunned down in self-defense.

The instigator, 36-year-old Sathaporn Kongmuang, arrived at the checkpoint visibly drunk and armed, demanding access to the forest. When unit chief Pichet Ruenmoon, 39, and ranger Chawalit Nokham, 40, attempted to stop him, Sathaporn opened fire without warning. Pichet was struck in the left leg, while Chawalit took a bullet to the foot.

A drunk park ranger trying to enter a forest shot and wounded two of his colleagues before he himself was shot in Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Chiang Mai, on Wednesday morning.

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As Sathaporn continued shooting erratically, fellow rangers returned fire, hitting him in the left side—the bullet passing clean through his torso. All three wounded men were rushed to Chiang Dao Hospital, where they remain in stable condition.

Investigators later discovered Sathaporn had just completed an exhausting 48-hour patrol in the rugged Doi Luang Chiang Dao terrain before binge drinking at his quarters. Colleagues described him as disoriented and aggressive prior to the shooting.

The incident has raised urgent questions about firearm protocols and mental health support for forest rangers, who often endure extreme stress in remote postings. Sanctuary officials have temporarily suspended weapons access for personnel returning from extended patrols while launching an internal review.

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Editor’s Note: Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary remains open, but visitors are advised to avoid the Phatang checkpoint area as investigations continue.

-Thailand News (TN)