Armed Gang Shoots Six at Market Event in Nakhon Ratchasima
An armed gang opened fire at a market event in Nakhon Ratchasima late August 12, injuring six people during what police say began as a failed motorcycle theft that escalated into a violent confrontation.
A shooting erupted around 10:30 p.m. on August 12 at the "Taste Shop Use" market event near the Pho Khun Thod Monument in Dan Khun Thod District, Nakhon Ratchasima, leaving six people injured. Police from Dan Khun Thod Station contained the situation and arrested one suspect, while rescue units rushed the injured to Luang Pho Khun Parisutthodo Dan Khun Thod Hospital, with several severe cases transferred to Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital.
Event organizer Prakop Patithan said the attackers used knives and an improvised shotgun that dispersed pellets across a wide area. The shooting occurred as the market was closing, while vendors were packing up. The six injured included Prakop (stabbed on the back and hand), Suton (right arm shot), Virawut (shot 13 times across the body and arm, severe injury), Suphawanee (shot twice in the leg and struck by pellets on the back), Panadda (left arm shot), and Tae (shot nine times on the back).
Dan Khun Thod Police, led by Deputy Superintendent Akkhom Chud Khun Thod, arrested one suspect and are investigating. Preliminary investigation revealed the suspect was attempting to steal a parked motorcycle when the owner arrived. The confrontation escalated, and the suspect's companion fled and returned with weapons and a gang to attack. Police are pursuing the remaining suspects to file charges.