A tragic shooting unfolded at Or Tor Kor market in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on Monday, leaving five people dead and two injured before the gunman turned the weapon on himself.
The attacker, later identified as 61-year-old Noi Praidaen from Khong district in Nakhon Ratchasima, was found dead on a bench inside the market building.
He was dressed in a black T-shirt and camouflage shorts, with a rucksack placed beside him. Police retrieved his ID card and driving licence at the scene.
Rescue workers confirmed that four market security guards and a woman vendor were shot dead. Two other women sustained injuries during the attack.
Security footage captured the gunman running back toward bystanders as the bodies of security personnel lay on a road within the market compound.
The incident was first reported at 12.38pm, according to rescue teams. Investigations remain ongoing.
At 12.54pm, CCTV showed a woman vendor hiding inside her fish paste stall as a woman’s voice was heard warning, “He’s approaching.” Moments later, a volley of gunfire erupted.
Footage revealed the gunman, wearing a cap, approaching the stall while a woman pleaded, “don’t shoot.” Gunshots followed. Another woman was heard begging, telling him, “she knew nothing” and pleading for her life.
The attacker entered the stall where the vendor was hiding. He pointed his handgun at her, but the weapon initially jammed.
He then pulled the slide with his left hand and shot her twice at close range, despite her desperate pleas. Witnesses reported hearing him shout in anger before firing a shot into the air and walking away.
Bangkok police chief Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom later confirmed that the gunman was Noi Praidaen, a Thai national with an apparent grudge against market security.
According to police, Noi had forced a taxi driver at gunpoint to take him to the market, telling the driver he planned to shoot the guards. Upon arrival, he opened fire, killing three guards immediately before seeking out and fatally shooting another guard identified only as Nun.
The motive, officials say, stemmed from a long-standing grievance. Years ago, Noi’s car, parked near the market where his wife sold goods, was scratched.
He believed a guard was responsible and held a grudge ever since. Police say he was extremely protective of the vehicle.
After shooting the four guards, Noi reportedly reloaded his weapon and turned on the vendors. He later sat on a bench in front of his wife’s stall and ended his life.
“He had no criminal record but was a member of a shooting club. He legally owned a 9mm CZ Shadow pistol. Over 10 shots were fired. I confirm this was a personal dispute,” said Pol Lt Gen Sayam.
Police also said Noi had a history of aggression, particularly when drunk, and had physically assaulted his wife on multiple occasions.
His wife, Paew, told investigators the dispute dated back about five years. She said Noi had dropped her off at the market that morning and showed no signs of unusual behaviour.
“She never imagined what would follow later that day,” police reported.
