UTHAI THANI, THAILAND – A violent clash between youth groups during Songkran celebrations outside the provincial hall left three people injured and triggered a police manhunt.
Violence erupts during Songkran celebrations
The incident occurred on 13 April 2026 at around 8 p.m. during the Songkran water festivities on Suphannika Plaza on Si Uthai Road, directly in front of the Uthai Thani provincial hall. According to police, an altercation broke out between groups of young people in the middle of the water fight.
Officers stated that firearms and knives were used during the confrontation. In addition, so‑called pingpong-bombs were thrown into the crowd, causing panic among festival-goers.
Three injured, one in serious condition
Initial findings indicated that three people were injured in the incident. One person suffered a gunshot wound, while two others sustained knife injuries to their hands.
The injured were taken to Uthai Thani Hospital before officers arrived at the scene. The seriously injured patient received medical treatment there, but attending doctors did not make any public statements about the person’s condition.
Little information from the hospital
Reporters at the hospital encountered one of the injured, whose hand wound was being treated; he did not wish to give his name. Relatives said they did not want to make any public comments.
Friends merely confirmed that another injured person was also receiving medical treatment and was in a serious condition. No further details were released by the hospital or family members.
Witnesses: Old feud and targeted attack
Witnesses who later testified to the police reported that the celebration had initially been peaceful. They said a group then appeared with a firearm and deliberately shot at a young man.
Immediately afterwards, another assailant allegedly attacked a different person with a knife, and pingpong-bombs were also thrown. Several witnesses told officers they knew the suspected main perpetrator.
Suspect named and on the run
Multiple witnesses identified the alleged attacker as “Aam”, who was said to live in Khao Phawaeng and to be known as a former rival. According to people close to the case, he was believed to have companions from Krok Phra district in Nakhon Sawan province.
Following the attack, the group fled the scene. A woman, who was identified only by a pseudonym for security reasons, described the course of events to the police and confirmed the identification of the alleged gunman.
Police clear area and halt water play
After the incident, emergency personnel cordoned off the area in front of the provincial hall. Using loudspeaker announcements, they called on revelers to end the Songkran water play and go home.
Additional investigators and patrol units were deployed to stabilize the situation. The scene was described as confusing, and tourists were said to have been badly frightened by the violence.
Father vows to hand over son
On 14 April 2026 at around 9 a.m., police at Mueang Uthai Thani station were informed that the father of the suspected shooter had made contact through the deputy head of investigations. He stated that he intended to hand his son over to investigators later that day, although no exact time was given.
Police said they knew the suspected perpetrators and were working to apprehend all those involved and bring them to justice. Out of concern about possible revenge attacks, officers were assigned to guard the hospital where the injured were being treated.