A 63-year-old man was injured by a stray shot after a group of teenagers allegedly chased each other on motorcycles before opening fire in Nong Wua So district, Udon Thani, Thailand, yesterday.
The incident happened while the victim, identified as Thongda, was sitting outside his home with his 57-year-old younger sister, Soem. The pair were not involved in the dispute between the youths.
Initial investigations found that those involved were believed to be teenagers aged between 14 and 15, with the youths reportedly studying in Mathayom 2 and 3.
Police said the teenagers allegedly chased one another on motorcycles before shots were fired. One of the youths is believed to have discharged a firearm, with a stray bullet or fragment subsequently striking Thongda.
The victim sustained an injury around his neck and collarbone. Although the wound was not considered deep or life-threatening, the impact reportedly caused him to suffer a severe headache.
Police later found that an improvised firearm was allegedly used in the incident. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case and determine the individual roles and involvement of each teenager.
Following the incident, the parents of the youths brought their children to meet Thongda and Soem to apologise and take responsibility for what had happened.
Thongda and his family decided not to pursue the matter against the teenagers, taking into consideration their young age and the fact that they came from the same community. However, the family reminded the youths about the serious consequences of their actions.
Despite the family’s decision, police said the investigation would continue as the incident potentially involved firearms-related offences.
Thongda has been asked to provide further information, while the parents have been instructed to bring their children to police for questioning with a multidisciplinary team.
Investigators will assess the role played by each teenager before determining any further action under procedures governing children and young people.
The incident comes amid other cases involving youth violence in Thailand, including a recent confrontation between rival youth groups at a market car park in Bang Phli involving gunfire and ping-pong bombs. Police subsequently arrested a 32-year-old man who admitted taking part in the shooting.
