[BebopVT]

Three youths were killed and another seriously wounded in a gang shooting in Ayutthaya province early Tuesday morning, police said.

The shooting occurred in front of a gas station on Rojana road. Police said they found seven spent 9mm bullet cartridges at the scene.

The body of Chanachai Yuthep, 18, was found near the gas station. He was shot twice in the body. Next to him was a motorcyle without a licence plate.

About 50 metres away, police found another body lying next to another motocycle with no licence plate. He was identified as 20-year-old Natthapon Hongthong. He was also shot twice in the body.

Two other youths were wounded and were rushed to Ayutthaya hospital by local residents.

One of them, 15-year-old Sathit Jana-in, later died. Police found a packet of 10 methamphetamine pills, or yaba, on this person.

The other injured youth is Peera Pakboon, 15. He was shot in the right leg three times but medical staff he was said he was out of danger.

Police said they had questioned Chanachol Wangmeechob, 21, who was riding a motorcycle within the group of people who were attacked.

Mr Chanachol told investigators that he and four friends were returning to their homes on four motorcycles after playing snooker at Grand Market in Uthai district.

A bronze coloured pickup truck with sakura stickers all over had been driven up close to them and people in the vehicle had opened fire at them, he said.

Mr Chanachol said he believed he escaped injury because he was riding alone on his motorcycle.

Police said they believed the shooting was drug related. They suspected the two gangs had argued about a drug deal.

Police investigations were continuing.