AYUTTHAYA — 27 June 2026, Police have arrested three suspects, including a temple monk, after two teenagers were injured in a mistaken shooting in Ayutthaya, authorities said.
The shooting occurred at around 22:00 on 26 June 2026 near a U-turn on Highway 340 (Bangkok–Suphan Buri Road) in Lak Chai subdistrict, Lat Bua Luang district.
Two teenagers were injured. A 14-year-old boy was shot twice in the left thigh, with bullets remaining lodged in his body, while a 17-year-old suffered a gunshot graze to his left knee.
Police said the victims rode a motorcycle for more than 5 kilometres to reach home before seeking help from relatives, who took them to Lat Bua Luang Hospital.
Investigators later identified one of the suspects as Anucha Liamyu, 20, a monk at a temple near the scene. He was arrested the same day, and officers seized a homemade 12-gauge firearm and one shotgun shell allegedly hidden inside the temple.
Police also arrested two 17-year-old suspects and seized a black pickup truck believed to have been used in the attack.
During questioning, the suspects allegedly admitted they mistakenly believed the victims were members of a rival group with whom they had previous disputes. They said they drove around looking for the group before opening fire with the homemade gun.
One of the injured teenagers told reporters he had been riding with five friends on three motorcycles to deliver vehicle parts when they came under fire.
He said the group fled immediately after hearing a gunshot and did not realise anyone had been hit until they reached home. The 14-year-old victim remains in hospital awaiting surgery to remove the bullets.
Another youth who witnessed the incident said the suspects’ pickup truck appeared to be waiting at the scene before the occupants opened fire. He alleged the truck later chased the motorcycles and attempted to pull alongside them before the group managed to escape.
Police have charged the three suspects with attempted murder, illegal possession and use of a firearm, and carrying a firearm in a public place without reasonable cause.
The two juvenile suspects have been remanded to the Ayutthaya Juvenile and Family Court for legal proceedings.