An initial post-mortem has found no traces of narcotics in the system of the ex-policeman who killed 36 people and wounded 10 in Nong Bua Lam Phu on Thursday before taking his own life, said national police chief Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas.
He said the autopsy, carried out by Udon Thani provincial hospital, indicated that former Pol Sgt Panya Khamrab did not ingest any illegal drugs within 72 hours of his rampage at the childcare facility operated by the Uthai Sawan tambon administrative organisation in Na Klang district.
"A second autopsy will be performed to confirm the result and expel any suspicions because the killer had a history of drug abuse," he said.
Pol Gen Damrongsak said the ex-cop joined the force in 2012, when a mandatory blood test showed there were no narcotics in his system. Moreover, he did not have a record of mental health treatment while serving in the force.
Based on his mother's testimony and reports from local police, he likely started taking drugs while working at Na Wang police station but this information needs to be verified, said Pol Gen Damrongsak.
He said police will also comb the killer's house again for drugs and other illegal items.
Based on the police investigation, former Pol Sgt Panya had a row with his wife on Thursday morning. He later returned home to find she was not there, after which he set off and killed three people on his way to the nursery.
The man was expelled from the force in June after he was arrested in January for methamphetamine possession and was found guilty by a disciplinary investigation.
He attended a court hearing on his drug case before his killing spree.
Pol Gen Damrongsak said the force will review its policy on firearms for ex-officers, most of whom purchase their sidearms under a welfare project and take legal possession of them after leaving the force. Police will raise funds to help the victims, he added.
