A tragic episode occurred on Saturday, November 25, 2023, in Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand. Chaturong Suksuk, 29, a former Thai soldier and accomplished Paralympic swimmer, opened fire at his wedding, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Suksuk and his bride, Kanchana Pachunthuek, 44, had just been wed in a traditional ceremony. The couple had previously lived together for three years, and Pachunthuek had two children from another relationship.
Witnesses noted Suksuk’s unusual demeanor and excessive alcohol consumption during the event. Following a dispute with Pachunthuek, he abruptly left the celebration, returning with a 9mm handgun, which he had acquired legally. He opened fire, killing his bride, her mother aged 62, and her sister aged 38, and wounding two wedding guests, a 50-year-old who later died from his injuries, and a 28-year-old man who was seriously hurt.
In a final act, Suksuk took his own life. Thai police, investigating the incident, recovered 11 spent 9mm cartridges from the scene.
Previously, Suksuk had gained recognition in sports, winning a silver medal at the 11th ASEAN Para Games in Indonesia in 2022, despite losing a leg in a train accident.
