Road dispute in Mueang escalates into shooting, two kids injured

A road dispute escalated into a shooting incident in Mueang, Pathum Thani, yesterday. Three teenagers on a motorbike allegedly shot at a taxi, injuring a 10-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl. The Mueang Pathum Thani police revealed the details of the case at a public briefing held at 10am.

The 51 year old taxi driver, Suraphon, was en route to his home on Pathum Road, Mueang Pathum Thani. In his taxi were his five grandchildren, aged between three and 12.

At the Rangsit-Pathum Thani Bus Terminal, Suraphon encountered three teenagers riding erratically on a motorbike. In response to their reckless behaviour, Suraphon flashed his headlights to warn them. This led to an unsavoury exchange at the Pathum Wilai intersection, where one of the teenagers made an offensive hand gesture towards Suraphon.

According to Suraphon, he then challenged the teenagers to resolve their issue at Baan Eua Arthorn Baan Chang Mueang, Pathum Thani. Upon reaching this location, the teenagers allegedly fired several bullets at the taxi before fleeing the scene. Suraphon attempted to chase them but he stopped when he heard his grandchildren crying.

The shooting resulted in injuries to two of Suraphon’s grandchildren. The 10 year old boy sustained wounds on his wrist and knee, while the seven year old girl suffered from a cut wound caused by shattered window glass. Following the incident, both children were taken to the Pathum Thani Hospital for treatment.

Upon investigation, the Mueang Pathum Thani police concluded that the road dispute with the taxi driver led the three teenagers to open fire at Baan Eua Arthorn Baan Chang Mueang. The police suspect that an illegal shotgun was used during the incident, reported Pattaya News.

The Mueang Pathum Thani police stated, “This case is of significant importance due to the involvement of young children. The suspects will be held accountable for their crimes as soon as possible.”