Man Armed with Military-Grade Weapon Opens Fire at Petrol Station in Mae Sot

Pictures courtesy of Khoasod.

Panic erupted in the early hours of morning of 6 May, when a man wielding a military-style firearm opened fire at a petrol station in front of the Mae Sot Municipality Office in Tak Province, northern Thailand. The incident, which began around 02:00 saw people fleeing in terror as the gunman fired randomly into the street and at police officers responding to the scene.

The suspect, identified as Mr. Anuphong aged 42, is believed to be a relative of the owner of the petrol station where the shooting occurred. Eyewitnesses reported that he had been discharging his weapon intermittently for several hours.

Mae Sot Police were forced to close the road at the intersection in front of the municipality building and evacuate several petrol station employees who were trapped inside. The area was declared unsafe and locked down, with authorities urging the public to avoid the vicinity.

At approximately 08:00, the situation escalated when the gunman again opened fire on police officers. Officers returned fire, wounding the suspect. He was quickly apprehended and transported to hospital for treatment and the man remains in custody under police guard.

Video of the suspect being detained after being shot.
 

A large police and military presence remains in the area as investigators continue to examine the motive behind the attack.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-06.