BANGKOK, THAILAND – A 29-year-old groom and former Paralympic athlete, Chaturong Suksuk, engaged in a deadly rampage, firing at his own wedding, leading to the demise of his bride and three additional guests before committing suicide.
The tragic incident unfolded on Saturday in the Wang Nam Khieo district, situated in northeast Thailand. Suksuk’s actions resulted in the loss of his bride, Kanchana Pachunthuek, 44, her mother aged 62, and her 38-year-old sister. Two other guests were injured by stray bullets, contributing to one more fatality.
At the time of the ordeal, Suksuk was reportedly intoxicated, however, the motive behind his actions is yet to be determined. It was shared by the police that he had lawfully acquired the gun and ammunition used in the shooting last year.
Based on accounts provided by wedding attendees to the police, Suksuk and Pachunthuek had a dispute during the celebration. It has also been suggested that the significant age difference between the couple could have been a source of insecurity for Suksuk.
Thai authorities are still analyzing these conjectures and have revealed that they have gathered evidence that should allow them to resolve the case soon. The couple, who had cohabited for three years before their nuptials, were renowned locally, with Suksuk having been recognized for his swimming prowess at the Asean Para Games in Indonesia last year. He had also secured a spot in the upcoming World Abilitysport Games in Thailand. The athlete had lost his right leg while serving with Thailand’s paramilitary light infantry force.
Although widespread shootings are rare in Thailand, gun ownership is common. Prior incidents include a shooting in a high-end mall in Bangkok that claimed three lives last month, along with a former police officer committing a knife and gun attack on a nursery in north-east Thailand, which resulted in 37 child deaths in October 2022.