3 Bangkok rescue workers injured in shooting as 2 rescue groups fight over who can save people on whose turf

Three rescue workers, aged 25 to 36, were injured in a shooting incident over a dispute between two rescue groups in Bangkok, Thailand on Nov. 6.

According to Thaiger, police from Wang Thonglang Station were alerted to the scene at Lat Phrao Road at around 1am (Bangkok time).

Brawl erupted, three workers shot in neck, chest and stomach

A video of the incident recorded by a passing motorist shared on Facebook showed a group of people in a brawl near a pavement, before multiple gunshots and screams could be heard.

Several ambulances and rescue vehicles were also spotted lining the road.

Officers who arrived at the location following reports of gunfire discovered bloodstains on the pavement near the entrance of Soi Lat Phrao 122, and five bullet casings scattered across the road.

Among the injured rescue workers were Jirayu Kongdee, 27, and Akkaradet Tawisuwan, 36, from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, who suffered gunshot wounds to the neck and chest respectively.

Chittiwa Rueangkaew, 25, from the Siam Ruamjai Foundation, who also suffered injuries following a gunshot wound to the stomach, was taken to the hospital.

Witnesses said the two rescue teams had been providing first aid to a motorcycle accident victim shortly before the shooting, according to Thaiger.

Police believe the altercation may have stemmed from competition over financial compensation tied to rescue cases — a recurring source of tension between such groups.

Two volunteer rescue workers surrendered to police

Two rescue volunteers, identified as Thanakhom and Narongwit, surrendered to local authorities at around 7pm on the same day.

Investigations revealed that Thanakhom was the alleged shooter, and that the pair had argued shortly before the incident.

Ruamkatanyu Foundation deputy leader Pimchanok Palakawong Na Ayutthaya said his team had no intention of clashing with another group as the site of the motorcycle accident was under Ruamkatanyu's jurisdiction.

His team initially stood back when they saw Siam Ruamjai rescuers at work, but later offered to help transport the victims, which the other group declined.

An argument reportedly erupted when Ruamkatanyu members insisted on helping, leading to a confrontation between Thanakhom and Narongwit.

Narongwit allegedly suspected that Thanakhom was armed and punched him before shots were fired.

Both men have been charged with attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and carrying a weapon in public without reasonable cause.

Top images via Kulatorn Samaiporn/Facebook & Thairath News/YouTube