A crowd gathered in mourning at the temple to attend the water-pouring funeral ceremony for Teacher Paphatsara, a victim of a rampage shooting in Ayutthaya province.The governorordered all agencies to expediteassistanceand carefor the mental healthof the children. Meanwhile, the victim's father expressed concern for his grandchildren's mental state and firmly refused to accept the apology.He declined the apologyand hopes the law will be strictly enforced.
On 27 April 2026, reporters described the atmosphere at Wat Rat Bamrung Nong Pladuk in Singhanat Subdistrict, Lat Bua Luang District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. This temple is the site of the funeral rites for Ms. Paphatsara Ruangrit, 44, a teacher at Wat Sukantharam School (Sukanthawittayakarn) in Bo Ta Lo Subdistrict, Wang Noi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, who was fatally shot by a gunman.
The atmosphere at the ceremony was filled with sorrow. Family members, relatives, fellow teachers, and students arrived continuously to pay their respects and condolences. The deceased's body was transferred from the Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Pathum Thani Province, to the temple amid the family's mourning. The family includes her parents and three children: an 18-year-old son, a 10-year-old daughter, and a 2-year-old daughter. Psychologists were present to closely support the family’s mental health.
Later, at 3:00 p.m., Mr. Chuanin Wongsatitjiraka, Governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Mr. Theeramet Thepwichaisilpakul, District Chief of Lat Bua Luang, presided over the water-pouring funeral ceremony, attended by many officials, teachers, and members of the public. Afterwards, the governor offered his condolences and spoke closely with the deceased’s family.
Governor Chuanin stated that he had instructed relevant agencies to urgently provide full assistance to the victim's family. Initially, the Provincial Justice Office will proceed with compensation according to the Criminal Case Victims Compensation Act, expecting to provide about 300,000 baht.
In addition, for the three children who are still in school, the province will coordinate with educational agencies to support their studies and provide scholarships continuously. Meanwhile, the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Red Cross Office, the Social Development and Human Security Office, and related agencies will jointly assist the deceased's family in all aspects. They have encouraged the parents and family, who have three young children, to be closely monitored for their mental health by the Lat Bua Luang District Office in cooperation with the district public health office.
Mr. Payong Ruangrit, 76, the father of the deceased, revealed that his daughter was diligent and determined. She had originally worked in a factory before studying further and successfully becoming a teacher on her own. She was someone who liked to help society and regularly participated in various activities. Currently, his greatest concern is for his three young grandchildren. Although their mental state is somewhat stable, as they have been living with him throughout.
As the father, he firmly stated that he would not accept any apology from the perpetrator, as they had never known each other, and his daughter did nothing wrong. He called for strict legal punishment, noting that similar incidents happen frequently.
Meanwhile, Police Colonel Prinya Thongma, Superintendent of Lat Bua Luang Police Station, reported that police have completed questioning witnesses, victims, and the deceased’s relatives. They have charged the suspect with multiple offenses including:intentional murder, attempted murder, possession of firearms and ammunition without permission, carrying firearms in public without necessity, discharging firearms in a community without justification, and property damage.
Preliminary findings show the suspect has a history of drug use and may have consumed a large amount leading to hallucinations, mistakenly believing someone was attacking him. After his motorcycle fell, he used a firearm to shoot at passing vehicles.
At the time of arrest, the suspect was intoxicated and incoherent, so he was sent to hospital before being taken into custody. Recently, his condition has improved and he is more lucid, though not fully recovered due to lingering effects of drugs. The suspect admits to being the shooter but still believes someone was trying to harm him. So far, no relatives have visited him. The firearm used belonged to a former police officer in Khon Kaen Province and was reported stolen since 2018.