In a shocking incident, a former Paralympic athlete and ex-soldier from Thailand, Chaturong Suksuk, 29, unleashed a deadly shooting spree at his own wedding, resulting in the death of his bride and three other guests. He subsequently committed suicide, according to local authorities.
Suksuk tied the knot with Kanchana Pachunthuek, 44, in the Wang Nam Khieo district in northeast Thailand on a recent Saturday. The celebration took a tragic turn when Suksuk, in the midst of the festivities, abruptly exited the reception and returned from his car wielding a 9mm pistol.
Upon his return, Suksuk opened fire, killing his newlywed wife, her 62-year-old mother, Kingthong Klajo, and her 38-year-old sister, Kornnipa Manato, as reported by local media. Two other guests were also caught in the gunfire, resulting in the death of a 50-year-old man and injuries to a 28-year-old man. Suksuk then turned the gun on himself, ending his life at the scene.
Authorities reported that Suksuk was heavily inebriated during the incident, but the exact motive behind the mass shooting remains unclear. Witnesses at the wedding reported that the couple seemed unhappy and had a dispute during the reception. It was also suggested that Suksuk was insecure about the 15-year age difference between him and his bride.
The couple had been living together for three years before deciding to get married. Local law enforcement confirmed that Suksuk had legally purchased the firearm and ammunition used in the shooting last year.
Suksuk had lost his right leg in a train accident while serving in Thailand’s paramilitary light infantry force. He had won a silver medal in swimming at the Asean Para Games in Indonesia the previous year and was scheduled to participate in the World Abilitysport Games in Thailand the following month.