Justice official dead with bullet wound

The Court of Justice’s deputy chief of the narcotics division was found dead in his house on Wednesday with a bullet wound to his head and a handgun found near his body.

The body of Pramote Thampanichawat, 60, was found by his secretary at his residence in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok.

Pol Col Chisanupong Suriyanon, superintendent of Phahon Yothin Police Station, said a 9mm handgun was found next to Pramote’s right hand. He had a bullet entrance wound to his right temple.

Pol Col Chisanupong said there was no evidence of an assault or a fight at the scene.

He said police are making enquiries over the gun — checking who its registered owner is.

More evidence must be collected before officers can confirm he died by his own hand.

Family members told police that Pramote had been stressed by work and suffered bouts of fainting, but they were reportedly not aware of any other health conditions.