Six Dead in Bangkok Market Shooting Sparked by Personal and Financial Struggles

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Six Dead in Bangkok Market Shooting Sparked by Personal and Financial Struggles

A deadly shooting unfolded at Bangkok’s busy Or Tor Kor Market in Chatuchak district, leaving six people dead, including the gunman, 61-year-old Noi Praidan. The victims included four security guards and a female vendor. The shooting occurred in broad daylight, sending shoppers and stallholders fleeing in terror.

Noi, a former vendor from Nakhon Ratchasima, still operated a garlic and shallot stall with his wife, though business had sharply declined due to the pandemic. A longtime motorcycle taxi driver and friend identified him, describing Noi as sober but emotionally strained. Witnesses say that Noi had ongoing disputes at the market—especially with security guards, whom he once accused of damaging his car, and with a nearby vendor with whom arguments were common.

Police suspect these tensions, along with prolonged financial hardship and deteriorating mental health, contributed to the tragedy. The incident has shocked the local community and prompted renewed attention to mental health support and conflict management in high-stress marketplaces.

If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, contact Samaritans of Thailand (02 713 6791 English, 02 713 6793 Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323.