BANGKOK — A 23-year-old man from Myanmar was arrested on the evening of May 12, 2025, in Bangkok’s Watthana district following the fatal shooting of a 70-year-old Thai business owner, who was also his wife’s employer. The arrest concluded a three-day search by police.
The suspect, identified as Sai Harn, was taken into custody in Soi On Nut 65 at approximately 8:00 p.m., according to police. An arrest warrant had been issued for him on May 10, the same day he allegedly shot Yuttharot Suwansumet, the owner of a fitness business in the Bang Khae area.
Authorities say the incident followed a threat made by the suspect to his pregnant 18-year-old wife, known as Ms. Pong, who had reportedly fled to her employer’s home for safety. She had alerted her employer about the threats, citing a history of abuse and alcohol-related violence from her husband.
According to police accounts, the suspect entered the residence, where Yuttharot attempted to block him from contacting his wife. During a physical altercation over a .38 caliber handgun, a shot was fired, fatally wounding the business owner. The suspect then fled the scene in a gray-black Honda CR-V belonging to the household.
The vehicle was later found abandoned on outbound Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in front of the Provincial Police Region 1 apartments in Chatuchak district. The car showed signs of damage consistent with multiple collisions. Witnesses reported seeing a man matching the suspect’s description boarding a train toward Rangsit shortly afterward.
Police traced the suspect using CCTV footage and public tips. A reward of 20,000 baht had been offered for information leading to his arrest.
Ms. Pong later told investigators that her husband was angry because she had disclosed his alcohol-related behavior to her employer, which led to the refusal to offer him a job. She worked as a caregiver for Yuttharot’s elderly mother. She also apologized publicly to the victim’s family during an interview at Phetkasem Police Station on May 11. Authorities confirmed that she had entered Thailand illegally and will face legal proceedings.
Police officials involved in the investigation include officers from Phetkasem Police Station and units from Bangkok’s regional forces. The arrest followed coordination among multiple departments and community reports.
