A woman opened fire with a 9mm handgun in Pattaya late on 27 March, leaving two people injured after an alleged long-running dispute involving online insults. The shooting occurred at 22:45 near a restaurant on Naklua Road, close to Lan Pho Market in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. Police and emergency responders rushed to the scene, where tourists, were left in a panic.

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The incident took place beside the venue of the Pattaya Music Festival 2026, where large crowds had gathered. Officers secured the area and assisted civilians who were helping the wounded. The first victim, Ms Sutthisa Nimsamlee, 29, suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen, losing significant blood and struggling to breathe, while Ms Patcharee Karunyanlanchakorn, 37, a visitor to the festival, was hit by a stray bullet in her left ankle.

Rescue workers provided immediate first aid before transporting both victims to hospital for urgent treatment. Witnesses told police that the suspect fired at close range, striking the primary victim in the abdomen, while the second victim was unintentionally caught in the gunfire. The motive was not immediately clear to those at the scene.

Police identified the suspect as Ms Pornthip Sripak, who was arrested at the scene. Officers seized a 9mm Sig Sauer P250 automatic pistol and one spent shell casing as evidence. During questioning, the suspect reportedly claimed she had endured repeated verbal abuse on social media over a long period and “could no longer tolerate it”, leading her to fire, before attempting to leave.

Investigators from Bang Lamung Police Station, under the direction of Pol Col Sarawut Nuchanart, have begun collecting witness statements and reviewing CCTV footage from the area. Authorities are also questioning both the injured parties and the suspect to establish the full circumstances behind the shooting.

The Daily News reported the case remains under active investigation, with police preparing to pursue legal proceedings against the suspect in accordance with the law.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 28 Mar 2026

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