Lopburi: A New Year's Eve prayer ceremony in Lopburi province turned perilous when a stray bullet struck a woman, narrowly missing her life, while she was praying with her family at a temple. Simultaneously, a similar incident occurred in Trang province, where a bullet pierced a home's roof, grazing a resident's body.

According to Thai News Agency, the Lopburi incident transpired at Wat Sing Thong, Bang Khan Mak Subdistrict, Mueang District, where Mr. Metha, Ms. Suchada, and their 7-year-old daughter were among over 40 devotees participating in a prayer ceremony. As the ceremony concluded, a stray bullet landed on the temple's roof, hitting Ms. Suchada in the shoulder and causing her to collapse. She was swiftly taken to Phra Narai Maharaj Hospital, where an X-ray revealed a bullet lodged near her left lung. Fortunately, the injury was not life-threatening, and she was discharged to monitor her condition ahead of a scheduled surgery.

The temple's abbot, Phra Khru Samuh Boonchu, expressed his shock and sorrow, noting that the family regularly visited the temple. Aunt Mali, a witness, emphasized the potential tragedy if the bullet had struck someone's head and urged the police to identify the shooter.

In Trang province, a similar incident occurred at Ban Khlong Lamliang, Thung Khai Subdistrict. Mr. Kitcha, the homeowner, discovered a bullet resembling a 9mm or .357 caliber round after it pierced his roof and ceiling, landing on a mattress near him. Mr. Kitcha recounted the frightful moment, noting that his young daughter had just left the bed before the bullet struck. The noise of New Year's celebrations masked the sound of the gunfire, making it impossible to trace the bullet's origin.

Both incidents highlight the ongoing danger of celebratory gunfire, prompting calls for stricter police enforcement to prevent future occurrences.