The ceremony at the Phra Khru Pariyatyanuyut Hall was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, together with senior commanders of Region 8 Police and Phuket Provincial Police.
Among them were Pol Maj Gen Saran Chamnanrat, Pol Maj Gen Wimon Phithakburapha, Pol Maj Gen Narongrit Dansuwan and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum. Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob and dozens of officers also paid their respects.
The atmosphere was filled with sorrow as relatives, including Pol Lt Prajak’s six children, gathered to honour his life and service. Royal water was bestowed on his body and he was posthumously promoted seven ranks to Pol Lt Gen. He had earlier been awarded the Order of the Crown of Thailand, the highest honour in police service.
THE FATAL RAID
Pol Lt Prajak, 56, Deputy Inspector of Crime Suppression and Prevention at the Phuket Provincial Police Investigation Division, was fatally shot on Monday afternoon (Sept 8) while leading a raid on a drug trafficking gang hiding in a room at the Andaman Apartment complex on Soi Yai Chan in Wichit.
As officers entered the room, a suspect fled into the bathroom and refused to surrender. When police attempted to open the door, the man opened fire, striking Pol Lt Prajak in the chest. He later died of his injuries at Vachira Phuket Hospital.
The gunman, identified as 24-year-old drug dealer Somphon ‘Tao’ Kaewbamrung, was killed when police returned fire. Police have assured that the killing of the suspect will be properly investigated.
Two men and one woman were arrested at the scene and taken to Phuket Provincial Police Headquarters for questioning.
The Royal Thai Police expressed condolences to Pol Lt Prajak’s family and announced an initial B2.7 million welfare payment. His promotion to Police Lieutenant General was formally conferred yesterday.
Pol Maj Gen Saran Chamnanrat, Deputy Commander of Region 8 Police, attended the royal bathing ceremony as representative of National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet. Ceremonies included a water-pouring rite at 3pm, the Royal Bathing Ceremony at 4pm, and evening prayers at 5pm.
LIFE AND SERVICE
Born in Trang Province on Sept 12, 1968, Pol Lt Prajak was the fifth of seven children of Mr Chuen (deceased) and Mrs Phin Thahanthai, who is now 90 years old. He first studied at Sawat Rattanaphimuk School before gaining a vocational certificate in welding from Trang Technical College. He later joined the 10th class of the Police Cadet Academy (Region 8 Police Training Centre).
He entered the police force on Feb 1, 1994, and served for more than 31 years, most recently as Deputy Inspector in the Investigation Division. His career highlights included serving as a sergeant major in 2015 and later as platoon commander, before becoming deputy inspector in 2023. At the time of his death, he was earning a salary of B49,010 as a commissioned officer, Level 40.
Divorced, Pol Lt Prajak leaves behind six children: Katanyawara (22), Phatthathat (19), Khemharsorn (17), Katanyawalee (19), Kantaporn (8) and Kantapich (6).
Speaking to reporters outside Vachira Phuket Hospital, his eldest brother Kunanpong Thahanthai said the family was devastated, especially as their elderly mother could not travel to attend.
“I never expected my younger brother to die on the day of our family reunion to remember our grandparents, a traditional time of merit-making in southern Thailand,” he said.
“But I am proud of him. He devoted himself to his duty and served the country with all his strength until his last moments. He was truly dedicated.”
Following yesterday’s ceremony in Phuket, his body will be transported to his hometown in Tambon Na Yong Tai, Trang Province, for funeral rites at Wat Khok Phikun.