Shooting in family dispute claims innocent woman in Pattaya

A longstanding family dispute between a man and his father-in-law culminated in a tragic shooting yesterday, where an innocent woman found herself to be an unintended victim of the ordeal. The shooting occurred near Mabprachan Reservoir, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri.

The victim, identified as 33 year old Penprapa Palapho was critically injured with a gunshot wound that penetrated her back, collarbone, and neck. Despite the rescue team’s immediate efforts to perform CPR and rush her to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.

The incident involved a white Mitsubishi pickup truck, which was struck by two bullets, one in the rear bed and another through the back window.

Present in the vehicle with Penrapa, 42 year old Thongchai Butthong was heading to his accommodation, when the perpetrator, riding a motorcycle, passed by and then circled back and opened fire at the vehicle.

Thongchai speculated that the attack stemmed from a long-standing grudge the gunman held against his father-in-law, Thongchai’s close friend. Unfortunately, Penprapa was the unintended victim of the family altercation.

Thongchai revealed that his friend, the father-in-law, had previously faced threats from his son-in-law, who once held a gun to his head. Thongchai intervened to mediate the situation but the tensions have not subsided.

Upon investigating the scene, police discovered three .380-calibre shell casings.

One of the workers sat in the truck bed, 18 year old Nattapong Khwanrapsuan, described the harrowing moment. He said the shooter followed them on a motorcycle before pulling out a gun and firing multiple shots. In a panic, Nattapong jumped out of the truck to escape the gunfire, only to realise later that someone inside had been gravely injured.

Surveillance footage from the area captured the incident, showing the group driving back to their accommodation as the gunman, identified as Meng, followed on his motorcycle and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

Police have identified the suspect and his residence, nearby to the crime scene. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend him and bring him to justice, reported KhaoSod.