Two Teenagers Arrested After Festival Shooting Kills One
Two 18-year-olds were arrested after opening fire at a festival in Rayong on September 18, killing a 25-year-old bystander and wounding three others during a street dispute.
Police have arrested two 18-year-old suspects, identified as Madiao and Tor, in connection with a shooting incident that occurred late on September 18 during the Mae Ramphung Colorful East Coast Festival in Rayong province. The festival was hosting a concert by the band Mali Huanna and had drawn large crowds of tourists and music fans.
Investigators found that after the concert ended, the two teenagers had a heated argument with rivals on the street. Though both groups initially separated, they continued shouting insults at each other. Tor then rode a motorcycle with Madiao as a passenger and fired multiple rounds from a magazine-fed rifle at their rivals. The gunfire struck 25-year-old Pannathat, who was riding his motorcycle home at the time, killing him on the spot. Three other innocent bystanders were also wounded by stray bullets.
After the shooting, the two suspects fled on the motorcycle and hid it in a village in Tambon Tapung. On September 20 at 4 p.m., they surrendered to police at an abandoned house in Tambon Mae Nam Khu, Phlu Kaeng district, and led officers to recover a modified 9mm handgun concealed in grass.
In his initial confession, Madiao claimed he fired in self-defense after the rival group allegedly shot at him first, and alleged that both sides had harbored grudges against each other previously. Background checks revealed that Madiao had previously been arrested on weapons charges and was held at a juvenile detention facility in Rayong before escaping.
Police have charged both suspects with premeditated murder using a firearm, attempted murder, and violations of the Firearms and Ammunition Act. They face further legal proceedings.
