Korat Teen Pulls Gun on Songkran Revellers, Arrest Made Amid Public Outcry

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A shocking incident during Songkran festivities in Nakhon Ratchasima has triggered widespread outrage after a video went viral showing a teenage male brandishing a firearm in the middle of a crowded street celebration. 

 

The footage, shared widely on social media, captured the young man aiming the weapon at a group of rivals amid the festivities, sparking panic among revellers and drawing swift public condemnation.

 

 

The incident occurred on the evening of 13 April in the Nong Bua Rong area, with the youth, clearly seen pointing a gun towards another group of young men. A second male, clad in black and believed to be holding a knife-like object, joined him shortly after in what appeared to be a coordinated act of intimidation. Witnesses, including tourists and locals enjoying the traditional water-splashing celebrations, were left shocked and frightened.

 

The video prompted an immediate outcry online, with calls for law enforcement to identify and arrest the suspects. Many netizens highlighted the clarity of the footage and expressed frustration over the recurring issue of alcohol-fuelled violence during Songkran.

 

Police have since responded. Pol. Col. Suthinan Khongchaemdee, Superintendent of Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station, confirmed that an investigation was underway and that CCTV footage had helped identify the suspects. Authorities revealed the group involved is known locally as “G5”, a gang of teenagers with a history of violent confrontations.

 

As of 14 April, police announced the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect in the incident. The youth was apprehended at a residence in the Chaloem Phra Kiat district, where officers seized a modified BB gun designed to fire 9mm rounds. A live round was found chambered in the weapon at the time of seizure.

 

The suspect, reportedly a former student of a prestigious local secondary school, is now in custody pending legal proceedings. Authorities are continuing their search for the second individual involved in the confrontation.

 

The incident has reignited debate over public safety during Songkran, with growing demands for stricter enforcement and preventative measures. Street activity in the Chomsurangyat Road area, where the confrontation took place, was noticeably subdued in the hours following the event, with many shops closed and fewer people engaging in festivities.

 

Police have pledged to take strong action to ensure those involved are held accountable and to restore confidence among the public during the remainder of the holiday.

 

-- 2025-04-15

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

expressed frustration over the recurring issue of alcohol-fuelled violence during Songkran

 

Alcohol is always the scapegoat.

What about the continuing increase of drug-fuelled violence?

Never mentioned.

Rarely tested for.

There are no published numbers for the drug issues in Thailand but in the UK for example, in many areas, drug driving is more common that drunk driving.

Especially among the younger population.

[LennyW]

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Authorities revealed the group involved is known locally as “G5”, a gang of teenagers with a history of violent confrontations.

If they are known, why are the not locked up???

[Woke to Sounds]

I could take these revolver chicken punks out with a chokehold, that's how hard I've become under my muay thai sensei.

 

He didn't care I was 55 years old once he saw I got the eye of the tiger.

 

Born again HARD  bxtches.

[Woke to Sounds]

3 minutes ago, LennyW said:

If they are known, why are the not locked up???

 

Tea money?

[hotsun]

1 minute ago, Woke to Sounds said:

I could take these revolver chicken punks out with a chokehold, that's how hard I've become under my muay thai sensei.

 

He didn't care I was 55 years old once he saw I got the eye of the tiger.

 

Born again HARD  bxtches.

Ah look who it is again, mr internet tough guy. The guy who walks in the room and all the girls panties get wet. Mr punches sharks and bears for the hell of it. Props to you guy

[bkk6060]

16 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

Alcohol is always the scapegoat.

Yes.  That and brake failure are killers.