Disabled woman killed in Samut Songkhram shooting

A tragic shooting incident occurred last night in Samut Songkhram, resulting in the death of a disabled woman. The police have identified eight suspects and expect to apprehend them by tonight.

Police received a report of a fatal shooting at 8.30pm yesterday, August 21, behind Wat Phuang Malai in Mueang district, Samut Songkhram province. The investigation team, led by Woraboon Boonmak, deputy investigator, along with Siam Insuwanono, police chief of the Mueang Samut Songkhram Police Station, and other officers, rushed to the scene. They were joined by forensic experts, a physician from Somdej Phra Phuttha Loetla Hospital, and rescue personnel from the Sawang Benjatham Foundation.

Upon arrival, the body of 46 year old Patchanee was found with a gunshot wound to her left forehead. She was sitting in a three-wheeled wheelchair. Seven bullet casings were discovered approximately 75 metres from her location. Her relatives were visibly distraught, mourning her untimely death.

A neighbour and friend of Patchanee, 47 year old Suwapitcha recounted the events leading up to the shooting. She mentioned that she heard teenagers arguing and intervened to mediate the dispute.

The group appeared to have resolved their conflict and began to leave. However, moments later, they indiscriminately fired shots into the house before driving away. Patchanee collapsed immediately after the gunfire ceased.

Patchanee’s husband, 50 year old Songkram expressed his deep grief and called for justice.

“My wife had nothing to do with the argument. She didn’t deserve to die like this.”

One of the youths involved in the initial confrontation, 22 year old Danusorn provided further details. He explained that the altercation stemmed from a previous conflict three weeks ago with another group of youths.

The situation was believed to have been resolved by the adults. Danusorn described how he visited a friend when the opposing group approached, seeking to settle the matter.

To defuse the tension, his friend slapped him three times, a gesture meant to end the feud. The opposing group then departed, but gunshots were heard shortly after, resulting in Patchanee’s death.

Sompop, a senior police official, commented on the incident, attributing it to the youths’ desire to demonstrate their dominance. He noted that the suspects, who were from a different area, inadvertently shot and killed Patchanee. Five of the eight suspects have been identified, and police anticipate making arrests tonight, reported KhaoSod.