Drug-fuelled gunman opens fire on Ayutthaya road, killing Thai woman
A Thai man, reportedly under the influence of drugs, opened fire on a road in Ayutthaya yesterday, April 26, killing a woman and injuring another man. Two children and several motorists fortunately escaped injuries.
The incident occurred on a road along the Phraya Ban Lue Canal in Lat Bua Luang subdistrict. Motorists and witnesses reported the shooting to Lat Bua Luang Police Station. Police arrested the suspect, 35 year old Sarawut Mueangjinda, at the scene. His motorcycle was found overturned on the road.
Officers discovered three methamphetamine tablets, known locally as Yaba, on the suspect. Police said he appeared to be under the influence of drugs and was unable to provide a statement.
In a nearby vehicle at the scene, 44 year old Paphatsara Rueangrit was found with a gunshot wound to her chest. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later died from her injuries. Her two children and a relative in the vehicle were unharmed but were reported to be distressed.
Another motorist, 60 year old Wanlop, sustained a gunshot wound to his arm but is reported to be in stable condition.
A total of seven vehicles, including four trucks, two sedans, and one pickup, were damaged by the gunfire. One truck had more than five bullet holes in its windscreen.
A truck driver, 46 year old Uthai Mungpanklang, told DailyNews that the gunman overtook his vehicle at high speed before crashing his motorcycle.
Uthai said the suspect then got up and began firing, prompting him to leave his truck and seek cover. He added that the gunman also fired shots towards nearby accommodation, causing panic among residents.
A local in the area told Channel 7 that Paphatsara attempted to hide from the gunman. This local said she urged the suspect to stop, saying there were children in the car, but was ignored.
Paphatsara’s younger brother told Matichon that she worked as a teacher at Watsukantaram School in Wang Noi district. He said he had hoped her injuries were minor when first informed of the incident.
Police said the suspect faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and violations of the Act on Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and Imitation Firearm. The case remains under investigation.
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