Northern Thailand: Burmese teenager shot dead in Tak following love feud on Facebook

A brutal incident in Tak province saw a Burmese teenager fatally shot in the face after a Facebook challenge resulted in a confrontation between two rival gangs.

The dispute was over a shared love interest, with peace talks culminating in the fatal shooting. Police in Mae Sot district of Tak province were quick to respond and apprehend the culprit along with his accomplices. The 17 year old victim, Haitu Aow was found lifeless at the scene with a single gunshot wound to the forehead of the Burmese teenager.

The crime scene was a road leading to Mae Pa village, which is also the route to Mae Sot’s waste disposal pit. Near the entrance to the Wat Santitham, a crowd of villagers had gathered and were trying to help Haitu Aow, who was lying motionless in a pool of blood by the roadside. Despite the best efforts of the police and emergency medical services from Mae Sot Hospital, the Burmese teenager succumbed to his injuries due to significant blood loss and a severe head wound.

Investigating officers from Mae Sot Police Station arrived at the scene and began their search for the perpetrator. Although no bullet casings were found at the scene, three 16 year old female witnesses of Myanmar nationality were called in for questioning. Their detailed testimonies proved to be crucial for the case.

Within two hours, the police managed to apprehend the perpetrator, a 16 year old Burmese boy named U Kae Sa (name altered for legal reasons). He was found in his room in downtown Mae Sot, along with a 9mm unregistered short pistol believed to be the murder weapon. Two more accomplices, both 16 years old, were also arrested. All three teenagers were taken to Mae Sot Police Station for further questioning.

According to the initial investigation, the two groups of teenagers, all immigrants from Myanmar, had a feud which was aired on Facebook. They decided to meet to resolve their love triangle and other disputes. The meeting took place on the roadside opposite the entrance to Santitham Temple. More than five boys and girls were present from each side, reported KhaoSod.

Love dispute

During the meeting, U Kae Sa and Haitu Aow seemed to have settled their dispute. However, as the victim and the girls were leaving, U Kae Sa, still harbouring resentment, drew his concealed weapon and shot the Burmese teenager in the forehead. The group of assailants then swiftly fled the scene.

The incident drew significant public attention, and the Mae Sot police invested considerable resources in the manhunt for the culprits. The case was resolved rapidly, with the teenage gunman apprehended within just two hours.