Picture captured from CCTV.

 

A restaurant manager in Chumphon has resigned on 10 February, after being threatened with a firearm by an angry customer over an unpaid 45-baht bill. Fearing for his safety, he has reported the incident to the police.

 

The altercation took place at a restaurant on Thung Wua Laen Beach, Saplee Subdistrict, Pathio District, during the early hours of 7 February. CCTV footage captured a man known as “Lek,” who appeared intoxicated, brandishing a firearm and threatening Mr Phonsriphum, 53, the restaurant manager, before leaving on a motorcycle.

 

On 8 February, Mr Phonsriphum filed a formal police complaint at Pathio Police Station, seeking legal action against the suspect, identified as Mr Thanawat, also known as Lek.

 

Speaking to reporters, Mr Phonsriphum explained his decision to resign, citing concerns for his safety and the well-being of his family.

 

“I have a family to support, a mother with a visual impairment and children who depend on me. If anything happens to me, they will be left without financial support. I cannot risk my life over a situation like this,” he said.

 

The dispute arose when Lek, a regular customer who often waited at the restaurant for his girlfriend, a staff member, left without paying for a bottle of water (20 baht) and soda (25 baht), totalling 45 baht.

 

As the restaurant was closing around 23.00 a staff member attempted to collect the outstanding amount, only to find that Lek had already left. Mr Phonsriphum then messaged Lek’s girlfriend, requesting payment.

 

Lek later contacted the manager, asking for a QR code to transfer the money. However, he failed to complete the transaction, leading another patron to settle the bill on his behalf. The manager believed the matter was resolved until Lek returned in a rage.

 

While Mr Phonsriphum and his female staff were closing the restaurant, Lek arrived on his motorcycle, verbally abusing the manager with aggressive language. He then pulled out a handgun, chambered a round, and threatened him before holstering the weapon and leaving.

 

Fearing further encounters, Mr Phonsriphum decided to quit his job at the restaurant and instead take a role at a shooting range, where he feels safer.

 

Police are currently investigating the case.

 

-- 2025-02-12

 

 

 take a role at a shooting range, where he feels safer  🤣