Picture captured from CCTV.

 

A funeral pray evening, in Chanthaburi province descended into chaos when a drunk man stormed the ceremony and opened fire, sending mourners fleeing in terror. A brave bystander who tried to intervene was struck by a stray bullet before guests overpowered the gunman and handed him over to the police.

 

The incident occurred at approximately 22:50 on February 24 at Thung Phle Temple in Makham district, where funeral prays were taking place. Pol Lt Winij Simali, deputy investigator at Makham Police Station, received a report of gunfire and a resulting injury. Emergency responders from the Sawang Katanyu Rescue Association were dispatched to the scene.

 

Upon arrival, officers found a male victim who had been shot in the buttock. CCTV footage from inside the funeral hall captured the entire event. Preliminary investigations led police to arrest the gunman, identified as Mr. Ekkarin, also known as “Moo,” who was subdued by relatives and other mourners before officers arrived. His accomplice, Mr. Somchai Mahantawari, also known as “Nuk,” who had driven him to the scene, was also taken into custody.

 

Investigators found bullet holes in the temple’s floor and a bloodstain on the ground. A chair had also been pierced by a bullet. The weapon used was a .38 calibre revolver, which was seized along with five spent shell casings and two intact bullets found at the scene. A further four rounds of ammunition were discovered inside the suspect’s vehicle.

 

Both suspects later confessed to the crime. Police have charged them with attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, carrying a firearm in a public place, and discharging a firearm without justification. Despite the severity of the charges, both men were granted temporary release on bail.

 

The injured victim, identified as Mr. Paiboon, was attending the funeral as a relative of the deceased. He was also the gunman’s uncle and had attempted to restrain him during the attack. He remains in Makham Hospital, where his condition is reported as stable.

 

According to Mr. Thairat, 52, another attendee, the confrontation began when Ekkarin, who appeared intoxicated, arrived at the funeral with Somchai. He allegedly slapped an elderly man on the head and harassed another guest. When relatives intervened to stop him, a heated exchange ensued, prompting the two men to leave. Before departing, they revved their car engine loudly in an apparent act of intimidation.

 

Shortly after, the pair returned. Ekkarin initially apologised to the mourners, leading them to believe the matter was resolved. However, moments later, he retrieved a firearm from the vehicle and fired two random shots into the gathering, sending guests scrambling for cover.

 

 

Mr. Paiboon, who was nearby, lunged at the gunman and managed to wrestle him to the ground with help from other mourners. During the struggle, three more rounds were discharged, one of which struck Paiboon. The group managed to disarm and restrain Ekkarin until police arrived.

 

Mr. Wirachai, 50, the funeral host, expressed deep concern over the suspects’ release on bail, fearing they may return to seek revenge. He urged authorities to take the case seriously, stressing that the attack was an audacious act of violence that endangered many innocent people, including children and elderly guests.

 

Residents are calling for strict legal action to ensure justice is served and to prevent further threats to community safety.

 

-- 2025-02-26

 

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Both suspects later confessed to the crime. Police have charged them with attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, carrying a firearm in a public place, and discharging a firearm without justification. Despite the severity of the charges, both men were granted temporary release on bail.

Amazing!!