NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Two years after, memories of the horror remain fresh for victims of the gunman's rampage that ended with 31 people dead and 57 wounded.
Sitthisak Wadkhoksung, now 31, was a student at a non-formal school in Muang district when he was shot in the stomach and leg by the disgruntled soldier who terrorised Korat city on Feb 8 and 9, 2020.
Shot down as he rode his motorcycle past the Terminal 21 mall, where the gunman holed-up, he was rushed to Saint Mary's Hospital, his condition critical. He was then transferred to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital.
Mr Sitthisak said on Wednesday that he had recovered from his injuries after six months of medical treatment, but memories of that day remained strong.
Mr Sitthisak was one of the 57 people wounded by the bullets of the gunman, Sgt Maj 1st Class Jakkrapanth Thomma. Thirty others were not so lucky. They died. And so did the gunman, killed by police commandos.
After recovering and completing his education, Mr Sitthisak was employed by the 2nd Army, working at Suranaree Army Hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima since Feb 1 last year.
He also received compensation payments from state agencies. He invested the money, farming rats and goats for sale during the Covid-19 outbreak.
He said the scars on his body were a telling reminder of that day two years ago. However, the encouragement and moral support of the people around him had helped calm his mind so he could settle back into normal life
Mr Sitthisak said he was delighted to be working as a state employee, which meant job security with state welfare benefits. He would never be a burden for others to bear. He thanked the army for giving help and people for their moral support.
A merit-making ceremony was held at Wat Pa Sattharuam in Muang district of this province on Wednesday afternoon, the second anniversary of the shooting rampage.