Indian, Lao tourists killed in Bangkok shooting

Bangkok: An Indian and a Lao tourist were killed and three others injured in crossfire during a shootout between rival gangs near a mall here, Thai police said on Monday.

The shooting took place at 8.30 p.m. on a street behind the Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel where tourist coaches were parked, reports Channel News Asia.

Some of the victims were part of a group of Indian tourists who had just dinner at Watergate Pavillion Mall and were waiting for their bus at the parking lot.

While they were there, two groups of young men emerged from a nearby snooker club into an alley just beside the parking lot, said Police Major General Senit Samararn Samruajkit.

They began a fight that quickly escalated into an armed battle.

Witnesses said they saw around 20 men armed with pistols, knives and sticks running from the club into the street, he added.

Three of the men also opened fire.

The gang members fled as the police arrived at the scene, and none of them were apprehended, reported The Bangkok Post.

The Indian victim has been identified as Gakhrejr Dheeraj, 42.