Pattaya police officer held after shots fired

A police officer attached to Bang Lamung Police Station has been detained after allegedly firing multiple 9mm rounds inside a room in South Pattaya on September 19.

No injuries or deaths were reported after the shooting at accommodation in Soi Yensabai, off Pattaya Third Road.

Police said the officer was taken into custody along with his firearm. Four women, aged about 18 to 25, who were in the room were also taken for questioning.

Room manager raised alarm

Pol Lt Col Sontaya Khonsap, deputy inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, led officers to the scene after reports that a gun had been fired inside a room.

Police kept bystanders away because the alleged gunman was armed. Officers later entered the third-floor room and found numerous bullet marks in its walls and ceiling.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

The room manager told police that the four women had sought help, saying the officer appeared heavily intoxicated, was shaking continuously, shouting and threatening to damage property in the room.

When the manager and others went upstairs to calm the situation, the officer allegedly ran to a gun stored beneath a pillow and fired all eight rounds in the magazine. Those present fled the room and alerted police.

Women say drugs were used in room

The women told investigators that the officer was the boyfriend of one of their friends. They said he returned to the room in an extremely intoxicated state and allegedly tried to molest them.

They said they left the room out of fear and asked the accommodation manager for help. When people entered the room, they said, the officer retrieved his gun and fired several shots.

All four women also reportedly told police that drugs had been used in the room. They admitted taking narcotics, according to the report.

The officer claimed he fired in self-defence because he believed people entering the room intended to attack him.

Drug tests and forensic checks

Pol Lt Col Sontaya reported the case to Pattaya City Police chief Pol Col Anek Sarathongyu. Investigators and forensic officers were sent to examine the room and the officer's firearm.

All five people underwent urine tests for drugs. The four women have already admitted drug use, while the officer's test result remains pending.

Police said that if the officer is found to have drugs in his system, he will face disciplinary and legal action without exception.

Join the discussion?

20 September 2026