Molotov attack in Udon Thani leaves teen critically injured

A violent altercation in Udon Thani left a young man seriously injured after being attacked with Molotov cocktails. The incident unfolded when a group of youths targeted 18 year old Taa at a notorious intersection known for frequent disturbances.

Footage from a nearby CCTV camera captured the harrowing scene, showing Taa and his 18 year old friend Art being pursued by four individuals on two motorcycles. The attackers hurled two Molotov cocktails, with the first striking Taa directly on the head.

The second narrowly missed but the aggressors then attempted to draw a firearm to continue their assault. However, Taa and Art managed to flee the scene on their motorbike, seeking refuge along an irrigation canal road and contacting Taa’s sister for assistance.

The attack, which occurred around 12.52am yesterday, November 5, sparked outrage among locals, who have been tormented by similar incidents nearly every day, disrupting their lives and instilling fear.

In the aftermath, Taa’s sister, 25 year old Nut, recounted the events leading up to the attack. She had just returned home from work when her brother called around midnight, requesting money for food. Shortly after, a friend called to inform her of the attack, prompting her to rush to the scene.

Upon arrival, she found Taa with severe head injuries, foaming at the mouth, and vomiting blood. Nut immediately took her brother to the hospital, but his condition remained critical, necessitating a transfer to Udon Thani’s main hospital for urgent care.

Teenager attack

Nut revealed her concern over the attack.

“If this continues, they will feel emboldened to harm others. I urge the police to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Doctors revealed that Taa had significant bleeding on the right side of his brain, presenting a grim prognosis. They offered two options: let him pass away or perform surgery to remove the blood, with a 50% chance of survival but the risk of permanent disability.

Nut chose the latter, hopeful for her brother’s recovery despite the uncertain outcome. Their mother, working overseas, was shocked by the news and is hastily returning to Thailand.

Art, Taa’s friend who was present during the attack, shared his account. He had picked up Taa to grab a late-night meal but while waiting at a red light, they noticed their rivals on the opposite side of the intersection.

Fearing an attack, they sped off, but the pursuers caught up and launched the Molotov cocktails. KhaoSod reported that Art managed to evade further harm by swiftly manoeuvring away, subsequently alerting Taa’s family and taking him to the hospital.

“I don’t know the attackers personally but I believe they are Taa’s rivals. Fortunately, I wasn’t injured, but it was a terrifying experience.”

Police investigations led by Chief Inspector Chiaochan Meechai and Deputy Superintendent Manit Wongsa have made significant progress.

They have identified several local youth groups, including those from Ban Sok Moo, Ban Nong Lad, and Ban Pa Kao, as potential suspects. Police have begun questioning these individuals and believe they are closing in on the perpetrators.