Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a heartbreaking conclusion to the Songkran festivities, a 16-year-old vocational student was fatally shot on Khao Tang Road in Phichit province, leaving a community in mourning. The incident occurred around 11.30pm on April 16, during the final celebrations of Songkran, and has left the teenager's friends and local residents in shock.

 

Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthaporn Netyim, deputy inspector at Mueang Phichit Police Station, swiftly responded to reports of a seriously injured teenager from a suspected gunshot wound at a curve in the Khlong Khachen subdistrict. Alongside Police Colonel Luk Ratanathavorn and emergency services, the team rushed to the scene to find the young man in critical condition.

 

The victim, hailing from Nong Pla Lai subdistrict in Wang Sai Phun district, suffered severe gunshot wounds to his right ribcage and arm. His Yamaha motorcycle was discovered fallen beside the road, amidst a group of distraught friends who had been celebrating Songkran with him. Though the teenager was transported to the hospital with urgency, he sadly succumbed to his injuries.

 

 

 

Witnesses recounted to the police that the terrifying incident transpired on their journey home, after celebrating Songkran at the popular Khao Tang Road. The victim had stopped at a bend on the bypass road, locally referred to as Khong Moo Noi, to urinate, when a group of young individuals approached and suddenly opened fire before fleeing the scene.

 

Police Colonel Luk Ratanathavorn confirmed that the victim had been enjoying the Songkran celebrations with friends before the tragic event. Law enforcement has identified potential suspects and is actively working to apprehend them for questioning. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, with investigators probing whether it was a premeditated attack or connected to any prior disputes involving the victim.

 

As authorities continue their investigation, the community is left grappling with this senseless act of violence that marred what was meant to be a joyous festival, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-04-17

 

 

 

 

UPDATE
Son of Local Council Candidate Arrested for Fatal Songkran Shooting in Phichit

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Police have arrested the 18-year-old son of a local council candidate in Wang Sai Phun District, Phichit Province, following the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old vocational student during Songkran celebrations.

 

The incident occurred at approximately 23:30 on 16 April, near a bend on the bypass road leading to the Moonoi Hotel in Moo 3, Khlong Khachen Subdistrict, Mueang Phichit District. The victim, Thanachot, had been celebrating the final day of the Songkran festival with friends at “Khao Tang Road” in Khlong Khachen. After the festivities, he stopped his motorcycle to urinate, at which point an assailant approached and shot him in the left arm. The bullet penetrated his torso, and he later died from his injuries at Phichit Hospital.

 

In the early hours of 17 April, at around 02:00, Phichit police, led by Pol. Col. Lakk Rattanathavorn and Pol. Lt. Col. Suphawat Phuna, apprehended the two suspects at a residence in Wang Sai Phun Subdistrict. The shooter was identified as Thanawat, 18, the son of a candidate for a municipal council seat in Wang Sai Phun. His accomplice and the motorcycle driver was identified as Phichyut, 17.

 

Police seized a modified .38 calibre BB revolver used in the attack, which still contained a spent shell casing in its chamber. Officers also confiscated the grey-black Honda motorcycle used in the crime.

 

Both suspects confessed to the killing. According to the initial investigation, the motive stemmed from Thanawat’s secret communication with the victim’s girlfriend. Thanachot reportedly confronted Thanawat online, expressing anger and threatening to take action.

 

When Thanawat learned that Thanachot was attending the Songkran celebrations, he and Phichyut followed him to the event. After spotting Thanachot riding pillion on a friend’s motorbike, the suspects overtook the pair and waited ahead. When Thanachot’s motorbike approached, Thanawat fired a single shot at close range, causing the victim to collapse in front of his companion.

 

The suspects then fled the scene but were later tracked down by police. Authorities have charged both young men with:

 

1. Murder

2. Illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition

3. Carrying a weapon in public without permission

 

 

-- 2025-04-17