BURIRAM, THAILAND – A 13-year-old boy was left seriously injured after being shot in the neck during a late-night attack by two teenagers on a motorcycle in Buriram province.
Shooting in Buriram leaves 13-year-old badly injured
On 20 April, a 13-year-old boy (name withheld) from Satuek subdistrict in Satuek district was shot while sitting at the roadside in his village with three friends. According to reports, two assailants rode up on a motorcycle, drove into the group and fired a single shot that struck the boy in the neck.
The victim received emergency treatment before being transferred to Buriram Hospital, the main provincial hospital, for further care. Authorities stated that the incident took place in the middle of the night.
Emergency treatment and transfer to provincial hospital
Local medical teams initially stabilised the boy at a nearby facility. Due to the severity of the neck wound, he was then moved to Buriram Hospital for specialised treatment.
Police said his condition would be a key factor for the later legal assessment of the case. No further medical details were released by the authorities.
Police launch manhunt and review CCTV footage
Police chief Colonel Anan Thongbanthoeng of Satuek Police Station ordered his officers to quickly identify and prosecute those responsible. Investigators led by Lieutenant Colonel Phanuwat Makmun, the deputy head of investigations, traced the suspects using footage from surveillance cameras.
The images enabled officers to track the route taken by the motorcycle and confirm the identities of the alleged attackers. A search operation was then extended to neighbouring Surin province.
Arrests in Surin: two teenagers in custody
Police arrested a 14-year-old boy, referred to as “Boy”, from Chumphon Buri district in Surin province, and a 15-year-old, referred to as “Kai”. Both suspects were detained at their homes in Chumphon Buri.
They were taken to Satuek Police Station, which has jurisdiction over the crime scene, for questioning. Officers placed the pair in custody while formal charges were prepared.
Confession of the 14-year-old: dispute, online provocation and shooting
During interrogation, the 14-year-old told police he had been riding pillion and had fired the shot himself following a prior dispute with people from the village. He also cited a provocation via Facebook containing the phrase “I want Death”.
The teenager said he had not intended to aim deliberately and claimed he acted out of fear after allegedly seeing knives or machetes in the group.
“I did not want to shoot on purpose and reacted out of fear when I saw knives or machetes in the group,”
said the 14-year-old suspect, according to police questioning.
Gun bought online and driver’s statement
According to the 14-year-old, the firearm had been purchased online for 2,000 baht. Police did not provide additional information on the seller or the platform used.
The 15-year-old driver told officers he had only accompanied the younger boy and had not expected him to actually fire the weapon.
“I only went along and did not think he would really shoot; I regret what happened and apologise to the family,”
said the 15-year-old driver, during police questioning.
Charges: attempted murder and firearms offences
Police initially brought charges of joint attempted murder and joint illegal possession of a firearm under the Thai Firearms Act. Investigators stressed that the final legal classification would depend in part on the injured boy’s health condition.
Officers indicated that further charges could be considered as more evidence was gathered. For now, both teenagers remained under investigation in connection with the late-night attack.
Parents under scrutiny: child protection proceedings announced
Investigators also announced they would summon the legal guardians of the two suspects. They said steps under the Thai Child Protection Act would be examined and potentially initiated against the parents.
Authorities signalled that the role of parental supervision could become a focus of parallel proceedings. No details were given on the possible measures under child protection law.