Woman Killed, Cars Hit as Drug User Opens Fire in Ayutthaya

Woman Killed, Cars Hit as Drug User Opens Fire in Ayutthaya

AYUTTHAYA, April 27, 2026 — A Thai man believed to be under the influence of drugs opened fire on a road in Ayutthaya province, killing a woman and injuring another person before being arrested, police said on Monday.

The shooting occurred on Sunday along a road near the Phraya Ban Lue Canal in Lat Bua Luang district, where witnesses reported gunfire striking passing vehicles and nearby buildings.

Police identified the suspect as a 35-year-old Thai man names Sarawut Mueangjinda. Officers said they found three methamphetamine tablets, locally known as yaba, in his possession and that he appeared intoxicated at the time of arrest.

A 44-year-old woman who was travelling in a nearby vehicle suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and later died in hospital. Local media identified her as a school teacher.

Her two children and another relative who were inside the same vehicle were not physically injured.

A second victim, a 60-year-old man, was shot in the arm and remains in stable condition, police said.

Authorities said at least seven vehicles, including trucks, sedans and a pickup truck, were damaged by gunfire. One truck windshield was hit multiple times.

Witnesses told local media the suspect had been riding a motorcycle at high speed before crashing, then stood up and began firing at vehicles and nearby residences, causing panic in the area.

Police said the suspect faces charges including murder, attempted murder and firearms offences. Investigations are continuing.