Post by : Anis Farhan

Photo: Reuters

A tragic shooting incident shook Bangkok on Sunday, leaving six people dead and several injured in one of the most violent market attacks in recent years. The gunman, believed to be a 32-year-old local male, opened fire at the crowded Chaturathit Market in the late afternoon, triggering panic and mass hysteria among vendors and shoppers alike. Eyewitnesses describe the chaos as “pure terror,” with people scrambling to flee the scene while the gunshots echoed through the open-air stalls.

According to Thai police, the attacker used a semi-automatic weapon and targeted specific individuals, although authorities have not yet confirmed if the act was premeditated or random. Initial reports suggest that a personal conflict may have been the motive, as at least two of the victims were known associates of the gunman. Security footage shows the shooter calmly walking through the market before suddenly pulling out the firearm and opening fire.

The attack lasted under ten minutes but left a permanent scar on the local community. Emergency services arrived within minutes, and paramedics rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals. Three people remain in critical condition. Among the deceased are two women and four men, including a teenage boy who was reportedly helping at a family-run food stall. Families of the victims gathered outside the emergency ward in tears, trying to make sense of the horrific turn of events.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his condolences and condemned the violence, stating that such acts of brutality have no place in Thai society. He also assured the public that an in-depth investigation is underway. “We will not tolerate violence that disrupts the peace of our people. The police and judicial system will ensure justice is delivered swiftly,” said Thavisin during a press briefing.

This incident has renewed the conversation around gun control in Thailand, where firearm regulations exist but enforcement is often considered inconsistent. Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Southeast Asia. Previous mass shootings, such as the 2020 Nakhon Ratchasima mall massacre, have raised similar concerns, but legislative efforts have largely stalled.

Residents of the area are visibly shaken. Local businesses remain closed today, and security presence has been ramped up across key commercial locations in Bangkok. Many shopkeepers in Chaturathit Market say they now fear for their safety and demand better protection. “We come here to work and feed our families, not to be caught in a crossfire,” said a fruit vendor whose stall was just meters away from the shooting.

Mental health experts are also stepping in to offer support to those traumatized by the event. The Thai Red Cross has dispatched counseling units to assist victims’ families and eyewitnesses, especially children who were present during the shooting. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has announced compensation packages and psychological aid for the bereaved.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation. While no prior criminal record has surfaced, police are probing into the individual’s past, including mental health history and any possible extremist affiliations. The Royal Thai Police have urged the public not to spread misinformation and to allow the authorities to carry out their duties.

This shooting is the latest in a growing pattern of violence in urban areas across Asia, sparking broader discussions on law enforcement, mental health, and the accessibility of weapons in public spaces. As Thailand mourns yet another avoidable tragedy, the nation is forced to confront uncomfortable questions about safety, policy, and the human cost of unchecked aggression.

The incident is expected to dominate local news cycles and parliamentary discussions in the coming week. Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties have already called for an emergency session to review current gun laws. For many, however, the immediate concern remains healing, justice, and a return to the peace that was so suddenly shattered.

Disclaimer

This article has been prepared for Newsible Asia readers using verified public sources and official statements at the time of publication. The information reflects events as they developed and may be updated as more facts emerge. Newsible Asia remains committed to delivering simple, factual, and unbiased coverage of impactful developments across Asia and beyond.