Nakhon ratchasima: Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, expressed his dismay with the words "Not again!" after learning of a shooting incident at the "Taste, Shop, Use" event in Korat, which left six people injured. He promptly directed the Department of Provincial Administration to examine the distribution of shotguns by village headmen.
According to Thai News Agency, police have made progress with the arrest of one suspect and are actively pursuing the remaining perpetrators involved in the Korat shooting. The incident occurred at the Phokun Thod Monument in Dan Khun Thod District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, on August 12. The Prime Minister, visibly troubled, acknowledged the use of a 100-round shotgun by the assailant and discussed the potential impact of mental health assessments on his policies regarding weapons possession.
When questioned about a separate incident involving the distribution of shotguns as prizes at the 134th anniversary celebration of village headmen and sub-district chiefs in Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province, Anutin confirmed that he had instructed the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration to enforce his policy prohibiting carrying firearms.
In the latest developments, authorities are diligently interrogating suspects, victims, and witnesses, while also analyzing forensic evidence and escape routes to apprehend any remaining suspects. They are thoroughly investigating the motive and sequence of events to ensure justice is served.
Among the suspects, Mr. Nattakit, a 32-year-old resident of Dan Nok Subdistrict, was apprehended at the scene with a homemade handgun and ammunition. Initial investigations indicate that Mr. Nattakit and his group had a verbal dispute with the victims before returning with two accomplices to attack them with knives and a homemade handgun, resulting in multiple injuries.
Pol. Col. Pattanagorn Soongnart, Superintendent of Dan Khun Thod Police Station, has tasked Pol. Lt. Col. Suwan Tengtrakulcharoen with expediting evidence collection and coordinating with the investigation team to capture the two remaining suspects still at large, charging them with attempted murder using a firearm.
Mr. Prakob Patithin, the event organizer, detailed that the perpetrators used knives and a 100-caliber shotgun, firing indiscriminately as the event concluded, causing panic and injuries among attendees.