Neighbour dispute in Bueng Kan ends in tragic double fatality

A dispute between neighbours in Bueng Kan province ended in a tragic double fatality. A man shot his neighbour dead before turning the gun on himself despite attempts by witnesses to calm him down.

Police and emergency units arrived at the scene yesterday, August 4, following a call reporting a shooting incident. The altercation took place in Ban Klang, Moo 8, Chaiyaphon subdistrict, Mueang Bueng Kan district.

The bodies of two men were discovered. The 46 year old Uthai Phrommin was found wearing jeans without a shirt, shot through his right eye with the bullet exiting from the back of his head. Around 15 metres away lay the body of 59 year old, Wanchai Sai Sanan, clad in a red collared shirt and jeans, with a single gunshot wound to his right temple. A .38 calibre revolver was found near his body.

Witnesses recounted that Uthai and Wanchai had a long-standing enmity, often resulting in verbal altercations. Uthai owned a grocery store in the village, while Wanchai lived just 50 metres away. The fatal incident was preceded by yet another argument, escalating to a physical confrontation.

Wanchai, unable to overpower Uthai, retreated to his home, returning with the revolver. He then shot Uthai, the bullet striking him in the right eye and exiting through the back of his head, leading to an immediate death.

After the shooting, Wanchai attempted to return to his home. Witnesses tried to persuade him to stay calm and put down the weapon. However, shortly after, Wanchai used the same gun to shoot himself in the right temple, resulting in his death.

Forensic officers and the on-duty doctor at Bueng Kan Hospital conducted initial fingerprinting and collected forensic evidence at the scene. The bodies were then sent to Khon Kaen Hospital’s Forensic Institute for autopsies to determine the precise causes of death.

The investigating officer will summon relatives of both deceased individuals and witnesses for questioning to uncover the motive behind Wanchai’s actions, reported Khaosod.