18-12-2023 (BANGKOK) A tragic incident unfolded in the quiet village of Moo 12 in Tambon Hua Ro, Muang district, as an army sergeant major, identified as Sgt Maj Akrapong Muncharoen, took the life of his former wife, Chonthicha Chuenwantha, before turning the gun on himself on Sunday. The devastating event left behind their 14-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter.
Local authorities, responding to reports of gunshots from concerned neighbours, arrived at the residence accompanied by forensic police and a medic from Buddhachinaraj Hospital. The grim discovery revealed the lifeless bodies of Chonthicha, 34, who served as the director of Tambon Ban Laem Khrok Hospital in Bang Krathum district, and Sgt Maj Akrapong, 35, affiliated with the 4th Infantry Division of the 3rd Army.
Chonthicha had suffered gunshot wounds to the head, chest, and back, while Akrapong had a single bullet wound to the head. A 9mm Glock pistol and five spent cartridges were recovered at the scene.
Witnesses reported a heated argument between the estranged couple shortly before the tragic incident, followed by the sound of five pistol shots. It is believed that the soldier, in a fit of rage, took the life of his ex-wife before taking his own.
The mother of the deceased woman, Angkhana Imwithaya, revealed that Chonthicha and Akrapong, once school sweethearts, had been married for about 15 years. The union, marred by jealousy and discord, ended in divorce approximately three months ago. Since the separation, Chonthicha had frequently returned to the house to visit her children.
The bodies have been transported to Buddhachinaraj Hospital for a post-mortem examination, as the community grapples with the devastating aftermath of this domestic tragedy.
