Picture of arrest.

 

A jealous older man caused chaos at a barbecue restaurant in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai, on the evening of 12 February, when he fired a gun inside the premises, sending customers fleeing in terror.

 

The incident occurred at a restaurant in Wiang Phang Kham subdistrict, where a man, reportedly intoxicated, became enraged upon seeing customers chatting with his girlfriend, a waitress at the establishment. Witnesses stated that the man, later identified as 65-year-old Mr. Sukam, had been drinking alone at the restaurant since 17:00, consuming white liquor while keeping a close eye on his 35-year-old partner, Ms. Fong, as she served customers.

 

Tensions escalated when he observed male patrons engaging in light-hearted banter with Ms. Fong. Enraged, he began shouting obscenities and slamming his table before producing a firearm and firing a shot into the air. The bullet reportedly struck the ceiling before ricocheting towards the second floor, where it narrowly missed a group of diners. One of them, a 29-year-old woman named Ms. Rattanaporn, later reported feeling a burning sensation on her left arm before discovering a bullet hole beneath her seat.

 

Restaurant owner Ms. Phenapha described the ensuing panic, as patrons fled in fear. According to her, Mr. Sukam also physically assaulted Ms. Fong before storming out of the restaurant, warning that he would return to cause further trouble if she did not leave with him.

 

Police from Mae Sai Police Station responded swiftly, launching a manhunt that led them to Mr. Sukam’s home in Ban Doi Ngam, approximately one kilometre from the restaurant. Officers found him in an intoxicated state, speaking incoherently. A search of the premises uncovered a 9mm handgun, along with the Mitsubishi car used in his getaway.

 

Ms. Fong later told investigators that Mr. Sukam had been at the restaurant for hours, appearing displeased that she was too busy with customers to attend to him. His jealousy and anger ultimately culminated in the violent outburst.

 

Authorities arrested Mr. Sukam and seized his firearm, with further legal proceedings now underway.

 

-- 2025-02-14

 

 

His jealousy and anger ultimately culminated in the violent outburst

 

A common trait among Thai males

Most likely yabba mixed with the white hooch.

 

Why is Thailand awash with firearms?

 

It's just mental.