A 13-year-old boy was seriously injured after being shot in the neck by two teenage suspects in Satuek district, Buriram province, on the night of 19 April 2026. The victim, identified only as “A”, was sitting with three friends by a village roadside when two youths arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire. He was rushed to Buriram Hospital in critical condition.

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Police said the attack occurred late at night when the suspects approached a group of four teenagers and fired a gun into the group. The bullet struck the victim in the neck, leaving him severely injured. Authorities immediately launched an investigation and began tracking the suspects using CCTV footage.

Officers later arrested two suspects: a 14-year-old boy known as “Boy”, from Chumphon Buri district in Surin and a 15-year-old known as “Kai”, at a residence in the same district. Both were taken to Satuek Police Station for questioning. Police identified “Boy” as the shooter and “Kai” as the motorcycle driver.

During questioning, the 14-year-old admitted to firing the gun at the group. He said the motive stemmed from a prior dispute with youths in the village and claimed he was provoked via Facebook, where someone allegedly challenged him with the message “I want death”. He stated that upon arriving, he believed the group was about to attack him and his friend with knives, prompting him to fire one shot in response.

The suspect also told police he had purchased the firearm online for 2,000 baht. Meanwhile, the 15-year-old driver said he had been invited by his friend and did not expect a shooting to occur. He expressed regret over the incident and apologised to the victim’s family.

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Police have initially charged both suspects with attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm under the Firearms Act. Investigators said further charges may depend on the victim’s medical condition. Authorities also plan to summon the parents of both suspects for legal action under the Child Protection Act.

The case highlights concerns over youth violence and access to weapons, particularly involving disputes escalated through social media. Authorities are continuing their investigation while monitoring the victim’s condition closely.

Matichon reported that police will proceed with legal action against the suspects and their parents, while awaiting updates on the victim’s recovery. The outcome of the case may depend on whether the victim’s condition improves or worsens.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 21 Apr 2026

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3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

During questioning, the 14-year-old admitted to firing the gun at the group. He said the motive stemmed from a prior dispute with youths in the village and claimed he was provoked via Facebook, where someone allegedly challenged him with the message “I want death”. He stated that upon arriving, he believed the group was about to attack him and his friend with knives, prompting him to fire one shot in response.

Out of control youngsters.. too young for prison but a year or two in an army detention centre would change their attitude

They need Uncle Tu's attitude adjustment program. Seriously once again it shows Thai parents as not even responsible for their own kids. In my Thai family one of my wifes sisters is married to a Thai Chinese guy, her other sister is married to an Isaan guy. Comparing the kids from both relationships is like comparing chalk and cheese.

Where did he get the 2000bht as most kids hardly have money .

Did they ever catch the 2 kids waving a gun around at songkran at another group of kids ?

10 minutes ago, ronster said:

Where did he get the 2000bht as most kids hardly have money .

Did they ever catch the 2 kids waving a gun around at songkran at another group of kids ?

And no mention at all of tracing who sold the gun to the kid.

2000 baht for that gun I think Boy was mugged! 👮‍♂️🤔

adult crime = adult time

they should really stop with this .... only a youngster

put them in jail for 10-15 years

5 hours ago, NONG CHOK said:

They need Uncle Tu's attitude adjustment program. Seriously once again it shows Thai parents as not even responsible for their own kids. In my Thai family one of my wifes sisters is married to a Thai Chinese guy, her other sister is married to an Isaan guy. Comparing the kids from both relationships is like comparing chalk and cheese.

My Thai son would not have been allowed out at that time of night when he was that age. He would not have had access to a motorbike either. Now he is a twenty year old young man and he will begin his third year at university in a few months. I agree with you that many parents are not responsible,

2 hours ago, CM Dad said:

My Thai son would not have been allowed out at that time of night when he was that age. He would not have had access to a motorbike either. Now he is a twenty year old young man and he will begin his third year at university in a few months. I agree with you that many parents are not responsible,

Many Thai families have kids mostly as an insurance policy for when they - the parents - get older, so they have someone to take care of them. It can be argued there is nothing wrong with that, although we non-Thais tend to prepare ourselves for that, rather than expect help from others. It could also be argued that excuses them from taking any responsibility for themselves, as their future well-being is probably guaranteed.

Thais are not great at taking responsibility for anything, and that includes raising kids in a responsible manner. The number of reports we read of kids out at all hours, often too young to ride the bikes they use when up to mischief, is staggering. There is little to no discipline, no leadership at all on how to behave, and that leads to trouble.

Just last week, in Liverpool the parents of a kid who knifed three young girls to death and injured others, were heavily criticised in a report into the incident as they did nothing despite his behaviour beforehand. I believe that at least one girl's parents are taking legal action against them. In Thailand, nothing at all happens.

4 hours ago, Jimbolkb said:

adult crime = adult time

they should really stop with this .... only a youngster

put them in jail for 10-15 years

U mean U see potential for a full blown, harden, gang member? He's a kid and have absolutely nothing to do in a [adult] prison. Unaware what options there are working/ recieve education at monestry or similar for would be a far better option IMHO.

I was half expecting one of the teens that carried out the shooting to be named as "Tool".

12 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

Many Thai families have kids mostly as an insurance policy for when they - the parents - get older, so they have someone to take care of them. It can be argued there is nothing wrong with that, although we non-Thais tend to prepare ourselves for that, rather than expect help from others. It could also be argued that excuses them from taking any responsibility for themselves, as their future well-being is probably guaranteed.

Thais are not great at taking responsibility for anything, and that includes raising kids in a responsible manner. The number of reports we read of kids out at all hours, often too young to ride the bikes they use when up to mischief, is staggering. There is little to no discipline, no leadership at all on how to behave, and that leads to trouble.

Just last week, in Liverpool the parents of a kid who knifed three young girls to death and injured others, were heavily criticised in a report into the incident as they did nothing despite his behaviour beforehand. I believe that at least one girl's parents are taking legal action against them. In Thailand, nothing at all happens.

Read the article again. The police may be taking action under child protection laws.