Crime Gunfight Erupts at Samrong Market, Two Injured in Violent Brawl

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A late-night attempt to resolve a dispute turned into chaos at a bustling night market in Samrong Nuea, Samut Prakan, when gunfire erupted during a confrontation between rival groups, leaving two men injured.

 

The incident occurred around 23:30 on 11 May, when Mr Phongsakorn Panyaimkaew, 28, arrived with several friends at the market in Soi Dan Samrong to confront another group allegedly involved in vandalising his mother’s residence. The dispute quickly escalated into a physical altercation, followed by a dramatic shooting spree, during which more than ten shots were reportedly fired.

 

Police from Samrong Nuea Police Station and rescue teams from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the aftermath of the clash, including shell casings, a broken rattan baton, a shattered pool cue, a shoulder bag containing a fruit knife, and a bullet lodged at the scene.

Mr Phongsakorn managed to flee the scene on his motorbike despite being struck in the head with a helmet and shot in the right buttock. He was later treated at Muang Samut Poo Chao Hospital. A second victim, Mr Suphonnee Saengrasi, 31, was found with head injuries caused by a blunt object and a blade, and was taken to Samrong General Hospital.

 

According to Mr Phongsakorn, he and five to six companions had gone to the market to “clear the air” regarding the damage done to his mother’s room, where she had been present during the incident. However, the other group, whose numbers were reportedly larger, responded violently.

 

His girlfriend, Ms Busaya Koetphoka, 24, corroborated the account, stating that her partner only intended to talk, but the situation turned violent. She said she arrived shortly after the shooting started and was unaware of how many people were involved.

 

A friend of the injured man said he had followed the group later, believing the confrontation would remain peaceful. Upon arrival, he saw Mr Phongsakorn being assaulted. He claimed to have helped others escape by car once the gunfire began.

 

A 15-year-old female vendor, who was selling meatballs with her boyfriend at the time, recounted the terrifying moment the gunfight erupted just outside their stall. “They were talking, then someone started it. Suddenly, people were fighting and shooting. I saw a gun drop near my stall, but someone grabbed it and ran. I was terrified. There were kids in the market crying. I just ran.”

 

She also expressed fears that the incident might lead to the market being shut down. “I don’t want to die. I’m just trying to earn a living here.”

 

Authorities say they are treating the matter with urgency and have pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.

 

Investigations are ongoing.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-13.