Picture from responders.

 

A 42-year-old man in Maha Sarakham shot his 18-year-old stepdaughter and then set himself on fire in a suspected act of despair after unrequited love. Both were severely injured in the incident, which took place on the evening of January 6 in Na Kha sub-district, Wapi Pathum district.

 

Police from Na Kha station were alerted to a fire at a two-storey wooden and concrete house. Upon arrival, officers found two injured individuals. The stepdaughter, identified only as Miss A, was shot twice in the hip and is a local student. The stepfather, Mr. Khunthong, suffered extensive burns to his entire body. Both were rushed to Wapi Pathum Hospital for emergency treatment.

 

According to investigators, Mr. Khunthong had been married to the homeowner, Ms. Wiangmanee, for two years and lived in the house with her and her three children: Miss A, her 16-year-old brother, and an 11-year-old boy.

 

The youngest child, recounted that before the incident, Mr. Khunthong had taken a hunting rifle, claiming he was going to hunt rats. Moments later, gunshots were heard, and he found his sister injured. Mr. Khunthong then doused himself with petrol and set himself on fire. Shocked, the child alerted his brother and called their mother, who was out running errands.

 

Neighbours reported being unaware of any conflict in the household, and police are continuing their investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the motive stemmed from Mr. Khunthong's unrequited feelings for his stepdaughter.

 

Police Lieutenant Colonel Sompong Samsi, the investigating officer, stated that heartbreak appears to have driven the man to commit the act. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover further details about the tragedy.

 

-- 2025-01-08

 

 

So, the older man falls for his wifes 18 year old daughter. Then shoots her and sets himself on fire for his love of her? Doubtful theory. More likely was he fell in love with the daughter and got rejected or the daughter threatened to tell her mom about his advances. So he shoots her then tries to burn himself.