AYUTTHAYA, Thailand – A 33-year-old factory worker was critically injured after being shot in the forehead on Rojana Road in Bang Pa-in district, with police later identifying a colleague from the same factory as the suspected gunman. CCTV footage from outside a used-car dealership in Sam Ruean subdistrict shows the victim arriving as a passenger on one motorcycle shortly after midnight. He got off and began walking when another motorcycle approached from behind. A man on the second motorcycle reportedly pulled out a gun and shot him in the forehead before both motorcycles sped away.
Rescuers from the Phutthaisawan Foundation provided first aid and performed CPR on the injured man, identified as Ballang, 33, from Suphan Buri province. He was initially taken to Asia Hospital before being transferred to Rajthanee Hospital due to his critical condition. Bang Pa-in Police inspected the scene and reviewed CCTV footage showing the shooting. Investigators initially suspected that the people involved knew each other, noting that the man in a red shirt seen in the footage could have played a role beyond simply transporting the victim to the scene.
A witness said the victim appeared to be travelling with a group of people who looked like friends. The suspected shooter was dressed similarly to the victim and followed on another motorcycle. The witness heard a single gunshot and found the victim lying in a pool of blood, while both motorcycles then left the scene together at speed.
Pol. Col. Pipop Naputsa, chief of Bang Pa-in Police Station, said investigators were examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area and questioning witnesses and people connected to the case. Police have not ruled out any motive and are investigating whether the victim and suspect had known each other beforehand.
The investigation took a significant step forward when police identified the suspected shooter. Preliminary information indicates he is a co-worker at the same factory as the victim and belongs to the same group of friends who regularly socialized and drank together. Police are still investigating what triggered the shooting. The suspected gunman has not yet been reported as arrested, while investigators are tracing his movements and gathering evidence to build the case. The victim remains in the ICU in critical condition, with doctors closely monitoring him. (TNA)
