Bangkok, Thailand – A Thai para-athlete, known for his noteworthy achievements, shocked the nation as he brutally shot and killed his bride and four others at their wedding reception. The 29-year-old decorated athlete, Chaturong Suksuk, who had won silver medals at the 2022 ASEAN Para Games, then turned the gun on himself. The tragic incident unfolded in northeastern Thailand on Saturday.
Authorities have identified the victims as the bride, Kanchana Pachunthuek, her mother Kingthong Klajoho, her younger sister Kornnipa Manato, and a guest named Thong Nonkhunthod. According to police officer Matichon Wongbaokul, the violence erupted after an argument on private matters. Chaturong stormed to his car, retrieved a legally obtained gun, and opened fire, killing his bride and the four innocent victims.
One guest was hit by a stray bullet. The motives behind the heinous acts remain unclear, although police mentioned that Chaturong was intoxicated at the time. It is reported that he purchased the firearm and ammunition legally just last year.
Chaturong, 15 years younger than the bride, had been living with Kanchana for three years before tying the knot. His achievements in swimming earned him two silver medals at the 2022 ASEAN Para Games held in Indonesia and Cambodia.
While mass shootings are rare in Thailand, gun ownership is widespread in the country. The incident follows a recent shooting at a luxury mall in Bangkok that claimed three lives. Moreover, in October 2022, a former policeman took the lives of 37 children in a heartbreaking gun and knife attack at a nursery in northeast Thailand.
Authorities are left grappling with the tragedy, searching for answers and attempting to comprehend the series of events that led to this unimaginable act of violence. Further investigation will be crucial in shedding light on the motives behind the horrifying attack.