21-11-2023 (BANGKOK) Muang district was the setting for a tragic incident on Monday night when a passing motorcyclist lost his life due to a gunshot fired by an enraged pickup driver. The driver had unleashed a “threatening shot” at the driver of a six-wheel truck, but tragically, the bullet struck the 24-year-old motorcyclist, Supakorn Chankhati, in the right side of his head. The incident occurred around 7 pm on Bang Phli-Tamru Road in tambon Bang Poo Mai, as Supakorn was on his way to the hospital with his girlfriend.
Despite the prompt arrival of rescue workers, Supakorn succumbed to his severe head wound at a nearby hospital.
Following an investigation aided by CCTV footage, the police apprehended 26-year-old Burapa Jiamyu at a housing estate in Soi Mangkorn Road at 9:30 pm on Monday. Burapa allegedly confessed to the shooting.
According to Burapa’s account, he was driving a converted pickup truck used for ice deliveries when he became incensed by the actions of a six-wheel truck driver on Bang Phli-Tamru Road. The two engaged in a heated argument at a petrol station, during which the truck driver brandished a steel bar. However, when Burapa revealed his firearm, the truck driver retreated and drove away.
Subsequently, the pickup driver admitted to overtaking the six-wheeler and stopping ahead of it before firing the gunshot. Burapa claimed that his intention was to fire a warning shot, but tragically, the bullet struck the passing motorcyclist instead. He confessed to having stolen the gun from a teenage neighbor prior to the incident and revealed that he dropped it after the shooting.
The victim’s 23-year-old girlfriend, Sudarat Singruang, tearfully recounted the events leading up to the tragedy. She explained that Supakorn was taking her to the hospital on his motorbike due to her stomachache. Suddenly, they heard a gunshot, and Supakorn collapsed in front of her. Fortunately, Sudarat was able to reach around him, gain control of the motorcycle, and bring it to a stop.
Sudarat expressed her confusion and grief, stating that she was unaware of any reason why Supakorn would be targeted. They had no conflicts with anyone. She also confirmed that she saw the accused gunman at the scene of the incident.
