Shooting Over Loan Dispute Claims Four Lives in Samut Prakan

[Georgealbert]

 

 

A 19-year-old man recounted the horrifying moment his family was attacked over a loan dispute, leaving four dead in a shooting spree on the night of November 25. The suspect, a 64-year-old landlord and moneylender, turned the gun on himself after the massacre.

 

The incident occurred at a single-story rental home in Bang Pu Municipality Soi 2/2, behind a crocodile farm in the Thaiban Subdistrict. Police, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Prasit Meksa of the Samut Prakan City Police Station, responded to the scene along with forensic investigators and local rescue teams.

 

Three bodies were discovered on the property, and two others were injured, including a 7-year-old girl. The first victim, Vasana (45), was found slumped aver a marble table with gunshat wounds to his abdomen, chest, and back. His wife, Rattapak (43), was found nearby, riddled with bullets in her thighs, arms, and chest. Vasana's mother-in-law, Thongsiri (69), was found five metres away with gunshot wounds to her back and chest.

 

The 7-year-old girl, referred to as "A," sustained gunshot wounds to her chest, back, and arm and was rushed to Samut Prakan Hospital in critical condition.

 

The gunman, identified as Mr. Phisit (or "Nui"), was found at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being admitted to the hospital.

 

The shooter, who was both the family's landlord and lender, reportedly had frequent disputes with the victims over a loan taken out by Rattapak to support her family. According to the victims' 19-year-old son, Mr. Phisit had previously made threats to shoot the family if the debt was not repaid.

 

"Before the incident, my parents were eating outside while my grandmother and sister were inside. I went out to see friends but soon received the terrible news that my family had been shot," the son said.

 

Witnesses reported hearing a heated argument followed by a series of gunshots. A neighbour stated, "I heard loud voices and gunfire, then saw Mr. Phisit point the gun at himself." Another witness found the injured child  and immediately called for help.

 

Police recovered a 9mm semi-automatic handgun with an empty magazine on the floor, along with 13 spent cartridges. Another magazine containing four bullets was still loaded in the gun.

 

Authorities confirmed that the firearm was registered in the shooter's name. Initial investigations revealed no prior criminal record for Mr. Phisit, who had lived in the area for many years and was known as a quiet and polite man.

 

Pol. Col. Chutrakul Yodmadee, Deputy Commander of the Samut Prakan Provincial Police, stated that the primary motive appeared to be the loan dispute. However, all other possibilities are being considered. "We have questioned two witnesses who confirmed the ongoing loan conflict," he said. "We will continue investigating to ensure all angles are thoroughly examined."

 

Picture from responders.

-- 2024-11-26