A 54-year-old police officer died after suffering a heart attack while arresting a suspect in Loei Province, Thailand, on 15 Sept.
Sub-Lieutenant Saenchai Yuli (name transliterated from Thai) and his colleagues responded to reports of a man causing a disturbance near Ban Na Ko School in Sri Than Subdistrict around 11.20am.
Source: Thairath
Upon arrival, they found the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Sunthorn (name transliterated from Thai), at the scene.
He appeared to be under the influence of drugs and refused to cooperate when officers attempted to conduct a body search.
A physical struggle broke out as officers attempted to restrain Sunthon, who was larger in build and resisted strongly.
During the confrontation, Mr Saenchai suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed.
Source: Thairath
He was then rushed to Na Ko Sub-district Health Center.
According to Thairath, Mr Saenchai gained consciousness and told staff at the health centre that he suffered a heart attack and had not brought his sublingual medication.
The staff gave him medication before sending him to Phu Kradueng Hospital via ambulance, but he died during the transfer.
On 16 Sept, Police Colonel Natthaya Thongchan, Superintendent of Phukradueng Police Station, visited the deceased officer’s family to offer his condolences.
He also assured Mr Saenchai’s wife that the officer’s superiors and the Phukradueng Police Station would provide full assistance.
Meanwhile, the officer’s family told reporters that he had a history of heart disease.
Source: Thairath
His wife said she had often reminded him to take care of his health and bring his medicine with him.
She believes that her husband had left his medication inside the patrol vehicle when he apprehended the suspect and suffered a heart attack.
The officer’s body was sent to Loei Hospital for an autopsy before being returned to his family for funeral rites on 19 Sept.
Meanwhile, Sunthorn was charged with drug consumption and was remanded at Loei Provincial Court on 16 Sept.