Crime Jeans Vendor Turns Gun on Rival in Bangkok Market Tragedy

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Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

BANGKOK - In a tragic incident, a second-hand jeans vendor shot a rival in a public market located at Soi Pracha Uthit 61 in Thung Khru, which ultimately resulted in the vendor's own death.

 

On 20th July, officials from Rat Burana Police Station were called to a shooting at New Plaza Market, Soi Pracha Uthit 61, Bangkok, at 6 pm. The investigation saw coordination with forensic experts, local hospital staff, and emergency responders.

 

The incident left Kanokpol Matchima, a 72-year-old jeans vendor, dead. He believed he had fatally wounded his competitor, leading him to shoot himself. Nearby, officers found a 9mm pistol and shell casings.

 

The injured included Chusak Amnatmongkol, also a jeans vendor, who was shot in the back and is now recovering at Suksawat Hospital. Phibun Rattanaleartseth, an innocent bystander, was slightly injured while trying to intervene and is safe at IMH Thonburi Hospital.

 

Witnesses reported that Kanokpol brandished a gun during an argument over customers with Chusak. Tensions reportedly escalated over time, culminating in this violent confrontation. Following the shooting, Kanokpol returned to his stall and took his life.

 

Kanokpol's wife, Noi Matchima, recounted how her husband admitted to the shooting before turning the weapon on himself to escape the consequences.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Rath 2025-07-21