Former Soldier Opens Fire at School, Injuring Two Construction Workers

[Georgealbert]

 

 

A former soldier armed with multiple firearms opened fire at a school in the Chaiyaphum Province, injuring two construction workers on October 8. The event unfolded around 13:00 at the Special Education School in Ban Lao, Muang District, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement.

 

Police Colonel Prasith Premkamol, head of the Muang Chaiyaphum Police Station, led a tactical unit comprising over 50 officers to the scene after receiving reports of a maniacal gunman targeting the school. Upon arrival, they discovered two men injured in the area near the teachers’ housing. The victims, identified as construction workers, had sustained gunshot wounds to the torso and hip. Emergency medical teams promptly transported them to a nearby hospital for urgent care.

 

 

As the situation escalated, officers quickly cordoned off a residence in Ban Lao after learning that the shooter, identified as Sergeant Major Palang Rat (32), was barricaded inside with an arsenal that included a long-barreled rifle, a shotgun, and a 9mm handgun. Authorities attempted to negotiate with the suspect, broadcasting appeals for him to surrender and even inviting his mother to help persuade him, but their efforts were in vain.

 

Chaiyaphum Governor Anan Nakniyom arrived to oversee the response and continued to call for the suspect’s peaceful surrender through loudspeakers. However, after assessing the ongoing threat, tactical officers donned body armor and advanced to the rear of the house. During their approach, a single gunshot rang out, prompting officers to employ an electric stun gun. The device was deployed twice, incapacitating Rat, who subsequently collapsed.

 

Following his capture, Rat was taken to Chaiyaphum Hospital for treatment.

 

Initial investigations revealed that Rat had earlier discharged his shotgun at a school janitor who was performing cleaning duties, forcing the worker to flee for safety. Later in the day, Rat directed his fire toward the teachers’ housing and student dormitories, injuring a construction worker in the process.

 

Rat has a history of violent behavior, having previously engaged in altercations with fellow soldiers while stationed in a military camp, leading to multiple gun-related incidents. As a result, he was discharged from military service and had been residing in a home behind the school.

 

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

 

Picture shows the suspect being detained.

 

-- 2024-10-09