Security Guard Goes on a Shooting Rampage in Thailand Killing 3 People

On Friday, a security guard went on a shooting rampage in central Thailand, killing three people and badly injuring another. Just after 9 p.m., police were called to the Ratchaburi Power Plant, run by SET-listed Ratch Group Plc. Multiple shootings were reported.

When a team of police officers and medical professionals arrived at the scene, they discovered three dead people on the road. They were only identified as Pichet, 55, Chanarop, 50, and Chakrit, 52. Police withheld their family names.

Mr Pichet and Mr Chanarop worked as managers at the company, while Mr Chakrit trained security guards. Another employee, 50-year-old Mr. Sathit, was shot in the stomach and transported to the hospital in critical condition.

Police say a man identified as Mr. Boonlert, the facility’s chief of security, was responsible for the fatal shootings.

According to police, Mr. Boonlert recently had his responsibilities lowered after the plant hired an additional security supplier.

According to sources, Boonlert became agitated during an altercation with his coworkers about wage increases and abruptly opened fire on them with a 9mm pistol.

Following the shooting, he attempted to flee in a pickup truck and was later apprehended at his neighbouring home.

Thailand has been grappling with a concerning rise in mass shootings, leaving devastating impacts on communities and raising serious concerns about public safety. The incidents have not only caused loss of life but have also led to growing apprehension among the populace.

Mass Shootings in Thailand

In recent years, Thailand has witnessed several tragic incidents of mass shootings that have shocked the nation and garnered international attention. From the Nakhon Ratchasima shootings in 2020 to the heartbreaking incident in a northeastern town in 2022, where at least 38 lives were lost, the country has experienced a series of deeply distressing events. These occurrences have underscored the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to address the underlying causes and prevent future tragedies.

The list of massacres in Thailand provides a sombre overview of the shooting incidents that have struck the nation, highlighting the magnitude of the issue.

Thailand’s spiralling gun violence is a multifaceted issue with various contributing factors. The easy availability of firearms, coupled with lax legal enforcement, has contributed to the country having one of the highest rates of gun violence in Southeast Asia, as highlighted in a report on “Thailand’s Spiraling Gun Violence and the Need for Solutions”. Such accessibility to weapons has significantly amplified the risk of mass shootings, posing a grave threat to public safety.

The recent incident of a teen suspect being charged for a fatal shooting at a shopping mall serves as a grim reminder of the pressing need to address the root causes of gun violence in Thailand.

Stricter Firearms Regulations

The authorities must implement stricter enforcement of firearms regulations and enhance measures aimed at preventing mass shootings. Additionally, comprehensive mental health support services and community outreach programs are crucial in addressing the societal factors that contribute to such tragic events.

The heartbreaking toll of mass shootings in Thailand necessitates an urgent and coordinated response to safeguard public safety and prevent further loss of life.

The surge in mass shootings in Thailand reflects a deeply concerning trend that demands immediate attention and effective measures. By comprehensively addressing the factors contributing to gun violence and implementing robust preventive strategies, it is possible to mitigate the devastating impact of such incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of the populace.

For more information on specific incidents, refer to the insightful article “Thailand Mass Shooting: At Least 38 Dead” and the harrowing account of the “Nakhon Ratchasima shootings”, shedding light on the gravity of the situation.

The challenges posed by mass shootings in Thailand call for unwavering resolve and concerted efforts to cultivate a safer and more secure society for all.

By Geoff Thomas