Rayong village chief fires gun during Loy Krathong Festival causing panic (video)
A village chief instigated fear and commotion today in Nikhom Patana, Rayong, by firing a gun during a Loy Krathong Festival at a prominent local temple.
The incident was reported by 32 year old Chaiwat (no surname given) who claimed he was threatened by Chaiyaporn, the village chief.
Chaiwat narrated that he went to the festival around 12.30am yesterday, November 28, to help his wife with her stall. He encountered Chaiyaporn and questioned him about an incident the previous night, November 27, where Chaiyaporn allegedly assaulted Chaiwat’s 31 year old wife Rungthip, who was also selling goods at the festival.
However, Chaiyaporn responded by brandishing a small firearm, the size yet unknown, and firing a round into the air. Continually aiming his weapon, he was restrained by others who escorted him away. This show of aggression and disregard for the law was a cause for concern among the locals, reported KhaoSod.
Subsequently, a video clip of the incident was widely shared online. It showed a man in a yellow shirt and black trousers, brandishing a gun amidst the chaos, while a woman tried to lead him away from the scene. The man, however, continued to aim his gun around with voices in the background shouting, “Go ahead, shoot me.”
Initial police investigations are underway to identify and interrogate the individual responsible for this incident. The authorities are also coordinating with the district officer of Nikhom Patana to verify the identity of the man in question as the village chief and provide a report to the Rayong provincial governor for further action.
In related news, police apprehended the mastermind behind the fatal shooting of 19 year old university student Thanasorn, known as Nong Yod, and his teacher, Sirida Sinprasert, better known as Teacher Jeab. Both victims were killed in the attack, which occurred in Uthen Thawai. Read more about this story HERE.
