Bangkok Police Search For Teen Shooters Who Killed A Tourist In Deadly Gunfight Near Mall
Authorities found AK-47 bullet casings at the scene.
By Tamara Jayne — 09 Oct 2018, 01:43 PM
Thai police are currently searching for two teenage gangs who were involved in a gunfight that resulted in the death of a tourist at Pratunam, Bangkok on Sunday, 7 October
Police spokesman Krissana Pattanacharoen said in a press statement that the shooting happened after several teenagers got into a heated argument and opened fire "in a small alley near a Bangkok mall", reported Bangkok Post.
The incident took place at 8.30pm at a busy shopping area near Watergate Pavillion mall, which is about a 15-minute walk from Platinum Fashion Mall and Siam Paragon Mall.
During the shooting, stray bullets killed one Indian tourist and injured four others
Tour guide Juli Sawang-aroon said that the injured tourists belonged to a group that were taken by coach to dinner at the India Gate restaurant in the mall.
Later, the group of tourists had returned to the car park on the street to board back onto the bus, but found themselves caught in the crossfire.
The Nation reported that 42-year-old victim Gakhrejr Dheeraj died in the hospital. Police initially said that 28-year-old Lao tourist Keovongsa Thonekeo had also died in hospital. However, they later said that he survived.
Two Thai men and another Indian tourist are also currently recovering.
According to Police Major-General Senit Samararn Samruajkit, the incident occurred when three teenagers carrying rifles opened fire at another group at a nearby snooker club
The Nation quoted Senit as saying that witnesses claimed they saw 20 young men armed with pistols, knives, and sticks running out of the club into the street where the three teens were.
Reports revealed that police found AK-47 bullet casings at the scene during investigations.
Spokesperson Krissana said that police are examining the bullet casings, interrogating witnesses, and viewing security camera footage to try to identify the shooters.
