One dad shoots another after Father's Day rite at kindergarten

A Suzuki Swift car is badly damaged after its driver fled gunfire through heavy traffic in downtown Chachoengsao following a Father's Day ceremony at a kindergarten on Tuesday. (Photo by Sonthanaporn Inchan)

CHACHOENGSAO: Local police were searching for a man who shot and seriously wounded another during a road chase in the centre of the province after the two attended a Father's Day ceremony at their children's kindergarten.

Pol Lt Col Supan Polpakdee, deputy chief of the Muang Chachoengsao police station, said on Wednesday that police were seeking a warrant for the arrest of Saranyu Onjai-eua, 27, of Ban Pho district.

The man was suspected of chasing a car driven by Amata Pinthong, 38, on his motorcycle and firing multiple shots at the vehicle in broad daylight on Panit Road in Muang district on Tuesday. The motive was believed to be jealousy.

Mr Amata accelerated his car through heavy traffic, hitting pavements and other vehicles in a desparate attempt to reach the police station to seek help. The gunman fled as the victim reached the station.

Mr Amata, of Muang district, was shot in the back of the neck and treated at Buddhasothorn Hospital. His younger brother, who was also in the car, escaped injury.

Pol Lt Col Supan said police were seeking Mr Saranyu on a charge of attempted murder. The incident happened at about 11.15am on Tuesday, just after he and Mr Amata attended a Father's Day ceremony to receive blessings from their young children at their downtown kindergarten.

The deputy station chief said Mr Saranyu believed his ex-wife was in a relationship with Mr Amata.