At least 6 people were injured in a shooting that occurred on the evening of August 12 (local time) at an event in Dan Khun Thot district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand. Police have arrested a suspect and are searching for the remaining subjects, Xinhua reported.
According to police, the incident occurred at about 10:30 PM on August 12 in front of Phokhun Thot monument, where a shopping event was taking place. A group of subjects is believed to have used knives and homemade hunting rifles to attack those present, injuring 6 people.
According to the organizers, the incident occurred when the program was about to end and small traders were collecting goods. Among the injured, some were slashed, some were shot in the back, arms and legs; one case was seriously injured by multiple bullets.
Initial investigation shows that the shooting originated from a scuffle involving a suspect being discovered trying to steal a motorbike in the event area. When the car owner came to stop it, a scuffle broke out between the two sides and the suspect was controlled by the car owner and the event organizer. One of the subjects then fled, then returned with his accomplices carrying knives and guns to attack the people at the scene.
Dan Khun Thot Station police have arrested a suspect and are questioning this suspect. Functional forces are checking the traces of gunpowder on the suspect's body to serve the investigation. Authorities continue to search for the remaining subjects to clarify the case and handle it according to legal regulations.
The shooting occurred just days after the shooting tragedy caused by a 14-year-old male student at Debsirin Nonthaburi school, Nonthaburi province, killing 9 people and injuring more than 20 others. That incident raised deep concerns about school safety and gun use in Thailand.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had to convene an emergency meeting with security agencies, requesting to strengthen control over the possession, carrying and use of guns, establish more weapons checkpoints, and consider amending legal regulations on gun ownership.
