Cops hunt suspects in Songkran shooting at Nakhon Sawan temple
Police are actively pursuing two people involved in a shooting at a Songkran festival at a well-known temple in Nakhon Sawan, resulting in three injuries, with one person critically wounded after bullets were lodged in eight places on their body. The incident occurred on Monday, April 14, at Wat Krok Phra Nuea, Krok Phra district.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspects are identified as 29 year old Ment and 41 year old Phuthanadis, also known as Golf. Both are known troublemakers who initiated a conflict with festival attendees.
The altercation was initially defused by volunteer security personnel, who escorted the duo from the event. However, the pair returned armed with a shotgun.
Ment drove a Honda Lead motorcycle with Chiang Rai plates, carrying Golf back to the temple. Upon arrival, Golf dismounted and fired the shotgun from a distance of around 30 metres, injuring three bystanders.
The victims include 20 year old Daralai, shot in the right arm; 20 year old Phongphat, critically injured with shots in eight locations, including below the chest, arm, and leg; and 33 year old Phattharachai, who sustained a gunshot wound to the right leg.
A temple novice reported that after firing a single shot into the dancing crowd, the duo attempted to flee on their motorcycle. They fell when Ment lost control on loose gravel, abandoning the bike and escaping on foot. Security footage later showed a white Isuzu D-Max pickup truck collecting the suspects and heading towards Uthai Thani province.
At Krok Phra Police Station, Daralai was seen providing her statement, accompanied by her mother. Her mother mentioned witnessing Golf’s aggressive behaviour at the festival, noting his intoxicated state and challenging remarks. Golf and Ment are part of a notorious gang, with Golf recently released from a decade-long imprisonment for drug-related offences.
The police investigation revealed that the motorcycle used by the suspects had a fake licence plate, with the real one hidden under the seat. Police detained 25 year old Singha, the pickup truck’s owner, who claimed ignorance of the crime and stated he was contacted to transport the pair to the Uthai Thani bus terminal.
Despite his claims, Singha remains in custody for questioning. The police continue their efforts to apprehend Ment and Golf, with Golf’s criminal record marking him as a significant societal threat, reported KhaoSod.
Latest Thailand News
