Thai man loses $20K bitcoin, shoots wife then self, barricades police

A Thai man has been arrested near Bangkok for shooting his wife in the leg after a fight about losing their bitcoin investments, and subsequently barricading himself in his home for six hours as police surrounded the residence.

Referred to as Kritsada by local outlet The Thaiger, the Thai man tried to kill his 31-year-old wife Pistamai after the couple argued over the loss of 700,000 baht ($19,500) in bitcoin investments. Fearing further violence, police negotiated with Kritsada instead of entering the home. He eventually surrendered.

Officer Manas Atthadod from Uthai Police District said they had seized the .38 calibre gun Kritsada also used to shoot himself in the leg after shooting his wife.

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Thai man charged with attempted murder over bitcoin loss

It remains unclear which bitcoin investments Kritsada made. However, Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has said over 200,000 citizens had become victims of crypto scams. In late August, it warned Meta that it needs to curb fraudulent ads on Facebook or risk watching the platform get banned in the country.

The Thai man’s bitcoin loss occurred after Pistamai had reportedly asked to be separated from him, which caused him to regularly visit their home, The Thaiger reports. Though receiving medical treatment, she is said to be safe.

Her husband was charged with attempted murder and unlicensed possession of a firearm and ammunition.