NONG BUA LAMPHU — Three people were fatally shot in northeastern Thailand’s Nong Bua Lamphu province today, marking another tragic incident of gun violence in the region that is still healing from a devastating mass shooting at a daycare center two years ago.
Police report that Samart, 54, allegedly shot and killed three people in Non Muang subdistrict of Si Bun Rueang district – a father and son, as well as a village security guard. The suspect fled the scene on a motorcycle and was later spotted in Pha Sam Yot subdistrict of Erawan district in Loei province, prompting police to set up checkpoints and increase security around schools and childcare centers.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered local authorities and police to expedite the manhunt. He mobilized village headmen and security volunteers to establish checkpoints along possible escape routes and patrol sensitive areas including schools, temples, and gas stations.
The Interior Ministry confirmed that the suspect does not have a registered firearm permit for the 9mm weapon used in the shooting. Preliminary investigation suggests the incident stemmed from a financial dispute over a 10,000-baht government stimulus payment.
Social media posts by the suspect from the night before the shooting revealed his distress, writing “Can’t sleep tonight. They scheduled a meeting at the police station. Wonder how this will end.” The suspect also posted threatening messages targeting his 28-year-old son in Ban Dung district of Udon Thani province and his daughter-in-law’s family, forcing them to flee their homes.
The suspect’s son, speaking to reporters, urged his father to surrender and cease any further violence. Meanwhile, provincial authorities are providing assistance to the victims’ families, including special compensation for the security guard killed in the line of duty. Police continue their search for the armed suspect, who remains at large.
The incident has raised renewed concerns about gun violence in Thailand, particularly in this region that witnessed one of the country’s deadliest mass shootings in 2022, where 36 people, mostly children and teachers, lost their lives at a daycare center.
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