In a tragic turn of events, Thai para-athlete Chaturong Suksuk, a decorated 29-year-old ASEAN Para Games silver medallist, committed a murder-suicide at his wedding reception, taking the lives of his bride and four others before turning the gun on himself.
The horrifying incident unfolded during the wedding in northeastern Thailand on Saturday, where Chaturong shot his bride, Kanchana Pachunthuek, as well as her mother and sister. According to Matichon Wongbaokul, a police officer from Nakhon Ratchasima province, the act was a result of a heated argument on private matters. Chaturong retrieved a gun from his car and opened fire, ultimately taking five lives, including his own.
Tragically, one of the victims was a guest who was struck by a stray bullet during the rampage.
Chaturong Suksuk, a swimmer, had achieved significant success in the 2022 ASEAN Para Games, securing two silver medals in Indonesia and Cambodia. Reports indicate that he was a Thai army ranger who had lost his right leg while on border patrol duties.
The incident sheds light on the prevalence of gun violence in Thailand, where firearms are accessible both legally and illegally. While mass shootings are not as common, this shocking attack follows a mall assault last month that claimed three lives, raising concerns about the need for stricter gun control measures.