Motorbike Noise Dispute Escalates into Violence and Shooting in Chonburi

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

A dispute over the loud noise of a revving motorbike led to a violent confrontation and a shooting in Chonburi, leaving one man hospitalised with a gunshot wound.

The incident occurred in the Mueang district of Chonburi, in Soi Malaithong, Na Pa subdistrict, where tensions between two groups flared after accusations of intentional provocation. It began when a man, identified as Oat, was test-riding a modified motorbike near a shop. The bike’s high torque caused it to rev loudly and perform a wheelie, which angered the shop owner, Ter. He believed Oat was deliberately attempting to provoke him.

In response, Ter and a group of five men went to the home of Hut, a relative of Oat, demanding an explanation. CCTV footage captured the violent attack on Hut and Oat, with Ter using a dustpan to strike Hut on the head, breaking it. Despite Oat’s pleas for a peaceful conversation, the attackers continued their assault.

After the attack, Ter allegedly sent insulting messages about Hut’s father, Jeab, which further escalated the situation. In retaliation, Jeab, accompanied by Hut and Oat, went to Ter’s shop to confront him. An argument ensued, during which Ter allegedly drew a firearm, chambered a round, and aimed it at Jeab. Jeab attempted to disarm him, leading to a struggle. Ter then fired a warning shot into the air, but as Jeab continued to grapple with him, Ter fired again, hitting Jeab. The bullet passed right through his body, leaving him seriously injured and requiring hospitalisation.

Jeab’s sister, Ms. Chulaporn, has called for justice, asserting that her nephew did not intentionally rev the motorbike but was simply testing it. She denied claims that the dispute stemmed from an old school rivalry, describing it as a misunderstanding that had been blown out of proportion.

“If someone had died, what then? No amount of money could make up for it. If my brother had been killed, I would demand the same in return,” she said, expressing concerns for her family’s safety.

Police are investigating the incident, reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements. Authorities are working to determine appropriate charges and prevent further violence. Meanwhile, Jeab remains in hospital recovering from his gunshot wound.

-- 2025-03-01