A violent family dispute in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district has left a young man hospitalised after he was shot in the mouth by his intoxicated stepfather.
The late-night altercation took place in a rented room at Nong Prue subdistrict, where 50-year-old plumber Prawet confronted his wife, 54-year-old Saiyut, and her son, 23-year-old Saranuwat, over unfounded suspicions of infidelity. Witnesses said Prawet, who had been drinking heavily, became increasingly aggressive before the situation spiralled out of control.
Son injured while protecting his mother
According to police, Saranuwat stepped in to protect his mother during the heated argument. Prawet left briefly, only to return armed with a homemade gun. He then fired a shot that struck Saranuwat in the mouth, leaving him with severe injuries. The young man, who was on military leave and close to completing his service, was rushed to hospital, where he remains under close medical supervision.
Saiyut also suffered a head injury during the altercation but managed to prevent further violence until neighbours intervened. Residents nearby said they heard the commotion and gunfire, prompting many to flee the scene out of fear.
Police response and investigation
Police Colonel Chanchai Sangwansaksri and his team arrived shortly after being alerted. They found Prawet injured, with swelling to his face and left eye, likely sustained during the struggle. Officers recovered a .22 calibre bullet casing and the homemade firearm used in the shooting.
Despite being visibly intoxicated, Prawet insisted he had acted in self-defence. However, a 24-year-old neighbour known only as “A” told investigators that Prawet had earlier crashed his motorcycle near the property before storming back into the room to continue the quarrel, which quickly escalated into violence.
Legal proceedings underway
Police Lieutenant Supakit Kasudom confirmed that CCTV footage from the area captured the sounds of gunfire and recorded Saiyut pleading for help during the ordeal. Prawet was taken into custody and now faces charges relating to attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and domestic violence.
Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation as the community reels from the shocking incident, which highlights the dangers of alcohol-fuelled domestic disputes and the ongoing problem of unlicensed firearms in Thailand.