A special operations officer who was still wearing shorts when he arrived at the scene of the deadly school shooting in Nonthaburi on Friday was off-duty and had shown great spirit in not waiting to change his pants while rushing to protect the public, the police spokesman said on Monday.
Pol Lt Gen Trirong Phiwpan said Pol Sgt Maj Setthawut Sangmueang of Sala Daeng station in Bangkok showed up fully equipped but still in his shorts – and photos of him went viral online.
Pol Sgt Maj Setthawut was on sick leave and had a doctor’s appointment that day and was nearby when he heard of the emergency at the school, the spokesman said. He immediately cancelled the appointment, put his gear in his vehicle and rushed to the school to support efforts to restore order there.
‘That reflects an uncompromising commitment to public safety and around-the-clock readiness to perform his duty. Although his outfit was not ready, his skills and spirit always are ready,’ Pol Lt Gen Trirong said.
Pol Sgt Maj Setthawut was a member of the Metropolitan Police Division 7 team competing in MPB SWAT Challenge 2026 in Bang Khen district, Bangkok. The team left the competition and rushed to Debsirin Nonthaburi School to secure the situation.
The spokesman said national police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch had praised all police who took part in the rescue of teachers, students and others in the vicinity.