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(Sungai Kolok, 15th) — An incident involving a soldier shooting civilians occurred in Kapho District, Sungai Kolok Province, Thailand, in the early hours today. The perpetrating soldier fled into nearby woods. After nearly 10 hours of search and pursuit, military police discovered his body around 10:40 AM at a location about 150 meters east of the crime scene, with initial suspicion of suicide.
The deceased was Private Rattapong Thiap Siri from the 1623rd Infantry Company. At about 1 AM today, he opened fire and injured two civilians before fleeing. His father was later brought to the scene, and forensic examiners are conducting an investigation.
Lieutenant General Boonsin Pathakarang, Commander of the Second Army Region, stated that the motive for the incident is not yet determined, but the battlefield environment has caused frontline troops to endure great psychological pressure. Recent conflicts may have further affected soldiers’ mental states. He has instructed all units to strengthen care and attention for the troops, and has requested medical teams to assess the mental health status of high-risk soldiers to prevent similar tragedies from happening.
Investigations have shown that since June this year, Rattapong had been stationed at Takue Temple and only returned to his original unit on the 3rd of this month. Before the incident, his mother posted on Facebook, calling out: "Neung, where are you? Please put down your weapon and surrender, child. It’s not too late, everyone is very worried about you." The post has drawn public attention and sympathy.
Lieutenant General Boonsin Pathakarang, Commander of the Second Army Region, stated that the motive for the incident is not yet determined, but the battlefield environment has caused frontline troops to endure great psychological pressure. Recent conflicts may have further affected soldiers’ mental states. He has instructed all units to strengthen care and attention for the troops, and has requested medical teams to assess the mental health status of high-risk soldiers to prevent similar tragedies from happening.
Investigations have shown that since June this year, Rattapong had been stationed at Takue Temple and only returned to his original unit on the 3rd of this month. Before the incident, his mother posted on Facebook, calling out: "Neung, where are you? Please put down your weapon and surrender, child. It’s not too late, everyone is very worried about you." The post has drawn public attention and sympathy.