A devastating mass shooting occurred at the Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok‘s Chatuchak district on Monday, resulting in the deaths of five people, including four security guards and a woman. The gunman, identified as a 61-year-old man named Noi Praidan, took his own life after the shooting.
According to Charin Gopatta, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the gunman opened fire at the market, which is known for selling agricultural produce and local food, before turning the gun on himself. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Worapat Sukthai, deputy police chief in the Bang Sue district, stated that police are investigating the motive, saying, “So far, it’s a mass shooting.” The police are also working to identify the suspect and investigating “any possible link” to the current border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.
Surveillance footage showed the shooter wearing a black T-shirt, a cap, camouflage shorts, and a backpack hung over his chest. The incident has sparked widespread concern, with Thai authorities assuring a thorough investigation. Police General Kittirat Phanphet has directed the Metropolitan Police Bureau to conduct a full-scale investigation, prioritizing the collection of evidence and determining the motive behind the attack.
Gun violence is relatively common in Thailand compared to other Southeast Asian countries. In 2020, a junior army officer killed 29 people and wounded 58 in a shooting rampage in Nakhon Ratchasima. This incident highlights the need for stricter gun control measures in the country.
The Or Tor Kor Market is a popular tourist destination in Bangkok, known for its fresh food and vibrant atmosphere. The shooting has sent shockwaves through the community, with many calling for increased security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.