Two men sustained injuries following a shooting incident outside a Pattaya nightclub in the early hours of August 31. Police are investigating the altercation, which reportedly began inside the venue before spilling out into the street, resulting in gunfire.
Nightclub Dispute Leads to Gunfire
The incident occurred at approximately 2:36 AM near an entertainment establishment in South Pattaya. Responding officers from Pattaya City Police, along with Banglamung district officials and rescue volunteers, arrived at the scene to find a crowd and two injured individuals. The conflict is understood to have originated from a dispute that escalated within the nightclub.
Injuries and Immediate Aftermath
One of the injured parties, identified as 29-year-old Mongkol, was struck in the right calf by a bullet that remained lodged in the wound. He received on-site medical attention from rescue workers before being transported to a local hospital. The second victim, 36-year-old Ratchaphon, also known as “Ball,” suffered a gunshot wound to his left foot and also experienced facial swelling. He too was taken to the hospital after receiving initial first aid.
Mongkol’s pickup truck bore evidence of the shooting, with a visible bullet hole in the inner driver’s-side door. Authorities recovered a Glock 43 9mm pistol and ammunition from the scene as part of their investigation.
Conflicting Accounts Emerge
Mongkol’s girlfriend, 35-year-old Atchara, who was present at the scene, informed police that she was unaware of the specific cause of the dispute. She reportedly confirmed that the recovered firearm belonged to Mongkol.
Witnesses at the location reported that two distinct groups had engaged in an argument inside the nightclub. Security personnel intervened and ejected both parties from the premises. Subsequently, several shots were fired outside the venue, causing panic among bystanders who sought cover.
In statements to the police, the injured men provided differing accounts of the events. Mongkol stated that he did not know who he had been arguing with. He claimed to have left the venue first, only to be surrounded by a group of youths near his vehicle. He asserted that he fired the weapon in self-defense to create an escape route.
Ratchaphon, however, offered a contrasting narrative. He alleged a pre-existing dispute with Mongkol, which he claims resurfaced when they encountered each other inside the nightclub. Ratchaphon stated that the two groups interacted and followed each other outside, at which point Mongkol allegedly fired three shots from within his moving pickup truck, resulting in Ratchaphon’s injury.
Investigation into Background and Motives
Police are examining Mongkol’s social media activity, noting that his Facebook account contained posts and videos related to firearms training. Images also appeared to show him wearing identification and attire similar to that of an official agency, alongside photographs of him interacting with senior police officials. Investigators plan to scrutinize these materials to determine their relevance to the shooting incident.
Both Mongkol and Ratchaphon were taken into custody following the incident. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing CCTV footage from the area. Police have emphasized that all individuals involved, regardless of any affiliations or volunteer status, will be subject to the full legal process.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Pattaya City Police are meticulously reviewing all available evidence, including witness testimonies and surveillance footage, to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the shooting. The motive behind the initial dispute remains a key focus of the investigation. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to a thorough and impartial inquiry, ensuring that justice is served according to the law.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when disputes escalate, particularly in environments where alcohol may be a factor. Law enforcement agencies continue to work towards maintaining public safety and order within the city’s entertainment districts.
