Accident – Death – Obituary News :
15-Year-Old Schoolboy Opens Fire at Temple in Buriram, Injuring Rival Students
A 15-year-old schoolboy caused chaos as he opened fire at a temple near his school in the Isaan province of Buriram, resulting in the injury of two rival students. The victims, identified as 16-year-old Ratchanon and 16-year-old Arthit, are currently in stable condition after the shocking incident.
Authorities from Nongki Police Station swiftly responded to the shooting at Wat Mai Chai Mongkhon around 12:30 pm on March 6. Upon arrival at the scene, police officers, along with the Nongki Rescue Foundation, found the injured schoolboys in the temple’s main hall.
Ratchanon sustained a gunshot wound to his back, while Arthit endured multiple gunshot wounds to his leg and body. Both victims were promptly transported to Nongki Hospital for immediate medical attention. According to the Thai News Agency, their conditions have been reported as stable as of March 7.
The perpetrator of the shooting was identified as Siricharnchai, a 15-year-old student who attended the same school as the victims. Siricharnchai admitted to the shooting to a teacher, alleging that Ratchanon and Arthit initiated the altercation.
Detailing the events leading up to the shooting, Siricharnchai revealed a longstanding dispute between himself and the injured students, characterized by confrontations and verbal altercations. On the day of the incident, he claimed that Ratchanon and Arthit provoked him by gesturing aggressively and challenging him to meet at the temple.
Feeling threatened, Siricharnchai decided to bring a gun concealed in his backpack to the rendezvous point. He recounted that Ratchanon made a move towards him, prompting him to fire a single shot. Subsequently, when Arthit attempted to flee, Siricharnchai fired multiple shots to stop him.
Following the shooting, Siricharnchai disposed of the weapon in a pond within the temple grounds. Law enforcement recovered the firearm and initiated an investigation into its ownership, as well as questioning Siricharnchai’s friend who allegedly provided him with the gun.
Superintendent Saksi Krairat of the Nongki Police Station informed the press that no charges had been filed against the teenage perpetrator. Additional inquiries would be conducted with the assistance of child specialists and psychologists to understand the underlying factors contributing to the incident.