BANGKOK (AP) — A gunman in Thailand who wounded four people, one fatally, when he opened fire in front of scores of witnesses during a political confrontation in 2014 has been sentenced to 37 years in prison.
Vivat Yodprasit attained iconic status as the "Popcorn Gunman" because he concealed his assault rifle inside a large bag with the logo of a popcorn company as he fired. He became a folk hero for the side he was supporting — a mob that sought to block an election called by the government of then-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. T-shirts emblazoned with the popcorn logo became popular.
The Criminal Court found him guilty Thursday of murder, attempted murder and several weapons charges. The murder victim was a soft drink vendor who died seven months after being shot.
