BANGKOK: Four people were killed in a shooting in southern Thailand on Saturday, according to police. The incident took place at about 5 pm in Khiri Rat Nikhom district in Surat Thani province, which is located approximately 600 km (370 miles) south of Bangkok.
The local head of police, Kriangkrai Kraikaew, confirmed the death toll, but declined to provide further details.
Local media reported that the shooting occurred near the home of a former village head. Police are still searching for the suspect.
High rate of gun ownership in Thailand
Thailand has a high rate of gun ownership, and there have been several violent incidents in the past year.
One of the deadliest attacks in recent history occurred in October 2021 when a former police sergeant murdered 36 people, including 24 children, in the northeastern province of Nong Bua Lam Phu.
Last month, three people were killed and three others wounded in a shooting in Phetchaburi province that ended after a 15-hour stand-off.
The Thai government has faced criticism over its handling of gun violence in the country.
Despite efforts to crack down on illegal weapons and improve gun control measures, shootings and other violent incidents continue to occur.
