A Thai para-athlete fatally shot his bride and four others at their wedding reception before taking his own life, according to local police.
The suspect, 29-year-old Chaturong Suksuk, a silver medalist at the ASEAN Para Games, killed the bride Kanchana Pachunthuek in northeastern Thailand on Saturday. The other victims were the bride’s mother, younger sister, and a wedding guest.
“They had an argument on private matters and Chaturong walked to his car and picked up a gun before shooting,” said Matichon Wongbaokul, a police officer.
Chaturong shot his bride and four others before taking his own life. A guest was hit by a stray bullet. According to police, Chaturong was intoxicated at the time. The motive behind the shooting, however, remains unclear. He had legally purchased the gun and ammunition last year.
Chaturong was 15 years younger than the bride. He and Kanchana had been living together for three years before getting married.
Chaturong, who was also a swimmer, won two silver medals in the 2022 ASEAN Para Games. Reports suggest he was a Thai army ranger who had lost his right leg on patrol.
While rare, mass shootings do occur in Thailand. Gun ownership is common in the country, as illustrated by recent incidents.
