Songkran Violence in Phra Pradaeng: 24-Year-Old Gunman and 15-Year-Old Accomplice Open Fire on Couple, One Dead, One Injured
A 24-year-old gunman and his 15-year-old accomplice opened fire on a couple during Songkran celebrations in Phra Pradaeng, killing the 34-year-old husband and wounding his wife after a drunken misunderstanding escalated into violence.
On April 26, 2026, Col. Apichat Thongphaep, superintendent of Phra Pradaeng Police Station, received a report of an armed assault with a firearm in Suksan 72 Alley, Bang Jak Subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province. Police dispatch teams were sent to investigate.
Two victims were identified at the scene: Ms. Sunantha, 33 years old (wife), shot in the right thigh, and Mr. Noprat, 34 years old (husband), shot in the chest with a critical condition. Good Samaritans transported both victims to Bang Prakok Hospital 3, where the husband later died from his injuries.
Investigation revealed that the shooting was carried out by Mr. Ratan, 24, accompanied by his friend Mr. Sao, 15. The pair had been celebrating Songkran by playing in water and drinking alcohol. Once intoxicated, they set out to settle a score with a rival, riding their motorcycle to two separate locations. At the first location in Suksan 74 Alley, the target wasn't present. Despite residents' attempts to intervene, Ratan drew his weapon and fired a warning shot.
The second location was Suksan 72 Alley, where they encountered Ms. Sunantha's group playing Songkran. Ms. Sunantha's daughter, who knew Mr. Sao, called out to him, but the intoxicated Ratan misinterpreted this as insults directed at him. After stopping his motorcycle and approaching the group, Ratan demanded to know who had insulted him. When a verbal argument ensued, Mr. Noprat, who had heard the commotion from nearby, came out to intervene. A physical altercation followed, during which Ratan drew his gun and fired three shots, hitting both Mr. Noprat and Ms. Sunantha before fleeing on his motorcycle.
