A man is wanted by police after he took revenge on another man who bullied him when they were both students over 50 years ago.
Thanapat Anakesri, 69, a pensioner, shot dead Suthat Kosayamat, 69, during their school reunion. He accused Suthat of bullying him when they were both 16.
Both men had attended the reunion on Saturday afternoon in Ang Thong, central Thailand. As the group sat down to enjoy wine, a buffet of Thai food and ice cream, former navy officer Thanapat confronted his former tormentor and accused him of bullying him decades ago. But Suthat, a tailor, said he could not remember there being a problem between the pair. Thanapat demanded an apology from Suthat but he refused. Thanapat is accused of then pulling out a handgun with which he allegedly shot his former classmate before fleeing the room.
Pensioner, 69, shoots dead childhood bully during school reunion held over 50 years after they graduated (photos)
Suthat was rushed to hospital but later pronounced dead by doctors.
Tuean Klakang, 69, who organised the event, told police in Thailand that the alleged killer had complained in the past about the school bullying but said he did not believe it was such a serious issue.
Tuean told local media: “Thanapat would get drunk then often talk about how angry he was about being bullied by Suthat. He never forgot about it. But as these things happened such a long time ago, I would never have imagined that he would have killed his friend like this. We are all shocked by it.”
Suthat was given a traditional Buddhist funeral on Monday, August 26. Devastated friends and relatives paid tribute to the “caring and kind” man.
Police are now searching for Thanapat, who they believe is living in a neighbouring province in Thailand.