Transfer order leads army officer to gun down Kalasin conscription chief

PUBLISHED : 17 Jun 2026 at 11:59

A military officer shot and killed his superior, a provincial military conscription chief, inside his office at Kalasin Provincial Hall on Wednesday morning, reportedly over a dispute involving a transfer order.

The fatal shooting occurred on the fourth floor of the provincial hall building, triggering panic among government officials and members of the public within the government complex.

Authorities said the suspect was later taken into custody at the scene along with the firearm used in the attack.

According to reports, the incident occurred at about 9.20am. Several gunshots were heard from the fourth floor, where the Kalasin Provincial Military Conscription Office is located.

Muang district police, senior officials and rescue workers, led by Kalasin governor Suwat Khemthanaphet and provincial police chief Pol Maj Gen Songphol Boribarnprasit, rushed to the scene following the shots.

Upon arrival, they found the body of Col Kornwikanon, 59, (whose surname was withheld), the chief of the Kalasin Provincial Military Conscription Office, lying dead inside his office. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

The suspect, identified as Sub Lt Chinnakorn, 59, who is an official attached to the Muang Kalasin District Military Conscription Office, remained at the scene and surrendered to police while carrying the weapon believed to have been used in the shooting. He was subsequently taken to Muang police station for questioning.

Preliminary investigation has tied the shooting to a workplace dispute. Police said Sub Lt Chinnakorn was dissatisfied with an order transferring him to the Kamalasai District Military Conscription Office.

He had gone to meet his superior to discuss and question the transfer order, but the conversation escalated into an argument. Authorities said the suspect then drew a firearm and shot his commanding officer. Forensic officers have gathered evidence from the scene, including physical and circumstantial material, to support the legal case.

The Kalasin governor has instructed authorities to proceed with the case impartially and in accordance with the law. He also ordered support measures for officials who witnessed the incident, describing it as a deeply traumatic event.

Investigators are expected to conduct further detailed questioning of the suspect to determine the full motive behind the attack before proceeding with criminal charges.