In a horrifying turn of events, a Thai groom and former Paralympic athlete went on a drunken shooting rampage at his own wedding, resulting in the deaths of his bride and three guests before taking his own life. The incident occurred in the Wang Nam Khieo district in northeast Thailand on Saturday.

The groom, identified as Chaturong Suksuk, 29, who had previously served as a soldier and had lost his right leg in a train accident while serving with Thailand's paramilitary light infantry force, married Kanchana Pachunthuek, 44, in a joyous celebration surrounded by family and friends. However, at the height of the festivities, Suksuk inexplicably left the reception and returned moments later wielding a 9mm pistol.

Witnesses recount the horrifying scene that unfolded as Suksuk opened fire, indiscriminately shooting and killing his new wife, her 62-year-old mother, Kingthong Klajo, and her 38-year-old sister, Kornnipa Manato. Tragically, two wedding guests were also struck by stray bullets, resulting in the death of a 50-year-old man and leaving a 28-year-old man wounded. The bloodshed continued as Chaturong turned the gun on himself, ending his own life.

Authorities have revealed that the groom was "quite intoxicated at the time" of the massacre, leading to speculation about the motives behind the shooting. Wedding guests had reported that the couple did not appear to be happy and had engaged in an argument during the reception. It was also suggested that Chaturong may have felt insecure due to the significant age gap between him and his bride.

Investigations have revealed that Chaturong had legally purchased the gun and ammunition used in the shooting just last year. The tragedy came as a shock to the local community, as Chaturong was known for his achievements as a para-athlete. Last year, he had won a silver medal in swimming at the Asean Para Games in Indonesia and had aspirations to compete in the World Abilitysport Games in Thailand the following month.

Mass shootings are a rarity in Thailand, but the incident highlights the prevalence of gun ownership in the country. Just last month, three people were killed in a shooting at a luxury mall in Bangkok, and in October 2022, a former policeman carried out a horrific attack, killing 37 children at a nursery in northeast Thailand. The tragic events serve as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from unchecked access to firearms.