An unsettling event recently unfolded in the serene northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand, shaking the quiet community to its core. A former Royal Thai Navy (RTN) officer was apprehended by local police after recklessly discharging a firearm in a small grocery store, and displaying an unnerving lack of regard for human life. His shocking proclamation that he could end anyone’s life as he pleases only added fuel to the fire, casting a daunting shadow over his previously respected military standing.
Swift response from the diligent Chaing Khong Police officers, who were alerted to the distressing scene by a vigilant neighbor, ensured the situation was promptly under control. As the law enforcement personnel arrived, they found the unfortunate victim — a 48-year-old woman called Nongnuch Saenboonma — writhing in pain from an acute gunshot injury to her abdomen. She was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility for emergency intervention.
The alleged shooter, identified as Thana Hinsuwan, a 69-year-old retired RTN officer, was restrained on-site by the victim’s brave companions. His weapon of choice, a .38 pistol, was seized, stripping him of any further harm potential. It was noted that Thana was heavily intoxicated, teetering on the brink of coherence, complicating any immediate effective communication with the police.
Thaworn Klatham, a close friend of the victim, recounted the chilling series of events. Thana, he said, joined their group after consuming a significant amount of beer. Displaying an increasing level of inappropriate and invasive behavior, he sexually harassed a woman seated nearby. Concerned for everyone’s well-being, they advised the inebriated former officer to safely return home, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. The situation escalated rapidly when Nongnuch, in a calm and composed manner, attempted to persuade the situation heated up when Nongnuch attempted to persuade Thana to contact his wife and return home.
However, the suggestion appeared to trigger Thana’s rage, and he hastily drew a firearm from a bag he was carrying. Before anyone could fully grasp the gravity of the situation, a shot rang out, and Nongnuch was left nursing a gunshot wound in her stomach. In a terrifying display of defiance, Thana roared a threat that he was capable of homicide and willing to take down anyone who crossed his path, drawing on his military background.
Showing remarkable courage, Thaworn and another friend managed to neutralize the threat by wrestling Thana to the ground and forcibly removing the weapon from his grip. Later, an official from the Chiang Khong Police Station, Ittiphon Chalathanyakit, assured that the victim was stable and no longer in immediate danger, as she recuperated at the Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital.
According to Ittiphon, Thana faces severe legal repercussions, including two grave charges of attempted homicide and illegal public firearm display. The charge for firing in a public location carries with it a potential sentence of up to five years imprisonment, a significant fine, or even both. Furthermore, the attempted murder charge could see Thana serving half the penalty of an actual murder sentence, which translates into a possible 15 to 20 years imprisonment or potentially a life sentence. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dire consequences of alcohol misuse and the responsibility that accompanies firearm possession.
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