Picture courtesy SiamRath

 

A violent altercation erupted in Ban Sin Charoen, Udon Thani, after a local teenager, reportedly enraged by insults, opened fire with a shotgun at two rival youths, leaving both seriously injured.

 

The incident occurred at approximately 01:35 on 15 August, on the road between Phen and Ban Dung districts, in front of a meat stall at Ban Sin Charoen Fish Market, Taohai Subdistrict, Phen District. The victims, both aged 26, were identified as Mr. Komkrit, who sustained severe abdominal injuries including a ruptured spleen and Mr. Natthapong, who was shot in the face. Emergency responders rushed both to Udon Thani Central Hospital for urgent treatment.

 

Initial investigations revealed that the shooter targeted the rivals in front of a local butcher’s stall during the early morning opening hours. Officers from Phen Police Station, assisted by forensic teams, collected evidence from the scene, including bullets lodged in nearby trees, and interviewed witnesses and stall owners.

 

Police subsequently tracked the suspect using CCTV footage to a residence in Ban Kluay, Ban Dung District. The shooter, identified as 18-year-old Mr. Noppakun, also known as “Heart,” was apprehended along with a long-barrelled shotgun and ammunition. He has been charged with illegal possession of a firearm in a public place, discharging a firearm without lawful cause and attempted murder.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from SiamRath 2025-08-16

 

 

 

 

During questioning, Mr. Noppakun confessed that the attack stemmed from an earlier confrontation at a traditional Mor Lam performance, where he was insulted by one of the victims. He claimed he became enraged and acted impulsively, retrieving the firearm he had hidden nearby. He insisted he acted alone and apologised to the victims and their families, acknowledging the attack was unplanned and driven by anger.

 

Police noted that the suspect has a history of violent behaviour, including previous incidents during the Songkran festival in which he and friends assaulted other youths. Authorities are continuing investigations.

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

retrieving the firearm he had hidden nearby

Why would anybody hide a firearm nearby when going looking Mor Lam? Seems like a bit premeditated to me.