Songkhla: The man who fatally shot a football player during a match in the Tha Muang Subdistrict Administrative Organization Cup has surrendered to police, claiming self-defense. The incident, which took place in Thepha District, Songkhla Province, has left the community in shock.
According to Thai News Agency, the shooter, identified as Private Sukanya, a 22-year-old conscript soldier from Ingkayutthabhan Military Camp in Pattani Province, surrendered to authorities at Huai Pling Police Station. His superiors accompanied him for the surrender. The suspect claimed he discarded the 9mm handgun into a canal during his escape.
Private Sukanya confessed that an argument with the deceased during the football match led to the shooting, which he claims was an act of self-defense. Investigators have charged him with intentional homicide, discharging a firearm in a public place without just cause, and carrying a weapon in a public space.
Following his confession, police took Private Sukanya to the crime scene for a reenactment of the shooting. The incident occurred near the roadside outside the Tha Muang Subdistrict Administrative Organization's sports field. The reenactment proceeded without any disturbances.
In an interview, Mr. Bahme, the victim's father, recounted witnessing the entire incident. He explained that the altercation began during a match between Village 6 and Village 8, where his son played for Village 8. A collision during the game led to escalating tensions among spectators.
After the match ended in a draw, a conflict erupted involving Private Sukanya and the victim's nephews. When the victim intervened, it resulted in a physical altercation, leading to Private Sukanya drawing and firing his weapon. Despite his son's attempt to flee, he was shot and succumbed to his injuries.