Bangkok to bang-bang: Thai tourist shot in escort row in India

A Thai tourist found herself in the crosshairs of danger after a heated dispute over escort services spiralled out of control, leading to her being shot in the historic city of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The altercation erupted at a local hotel, ultimately escalating into violence, on Saturday, November 9.

The scene unfolded when four men left the woman, identified as Thogkhot Thanchanok, at the emergency entrance of Pacific Hospital before making a hasty getaway. CCTV footage chillingly captured the moment the suspects wheeled her in on a stretcher before vanishing into the night.

Police have named the suspects as Rahul Gurjar, Dhruv Suwalka, Akshay, and one other individual, and a case has been lodged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), said Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal.

“The woman was involved in escort services, and the shooting occurred after a disagreement in the hotel room.”

Despite suffering gunshot wounds to her chest and back, Thanchanok’s condition is now stable following surgery to remove a bullet lodged in her ribs. She had arrived in India two months prior with a friend, staying at Hotel Veer Palace near the Udai Pol area since October 21. On the night of the incident, she reportedly left her hotel alone around 1.30am.

NewsBytes reported that police are scrutinising CCTV footage from the hotel and surrounding areas to uncover further details. Both Thanchanok and her friend are being questioned by local police as part of the ongoing investigation. Additionally, the cab driver who ferried her to the hotel has been interviewed, said Superintendent Goyal, as the hunt intensifies to bring the perpetrators of this brazen attack to justice.

“The woman has told us she is a Thai national visiting Udaipur on a tourist visa.”

Meanwhile, in a major move sure to excite Indian travellers, Thailand has indefinitely extended visa-free entry for Indian tourists, allowing them to stay for up to 60 days.

Previously set to expire on November 11, the visa-free policy will now remain a permanent feature, making Thailand’s stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural attractions more accessible than ever, reported India Today, adding new ease to Thailand’s already booming tourism sector.