Pattaya-
As Thailand’s Songkran Festival continues, the nation was immersed in the vibrant celebration of this long-standing cultural tradition. This year marked a significant milestone as UNESCO had recognized “Songkran in Thailand” as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
The Thai government, seizing the opportunity to showcase its “National Soft Power,” aimed to draw tourists worldwide to the festivities, resulting in the most lively Songkran atmosphere in five years, post-COVID, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
In the midst of the festivities, a concerning incident unfolded in the Banglamung District, Pattaya City. Citizens and tourists from various nationalities were reported to be enjoying the water festivities along roads and beaches across the city. To be fair, many local expats who aren’t fans of the festival or getting wet have been mostly staying at home.
However, the celebratory mood was disrupted when a drunken altercation led to a potentially violent confrontation. On the afternoon of April 13, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m., in Soi Nong Hua Raet, Village No. 5, Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict, a middle-aged man, identified only as Mr. Chamnan, aged 47, was apprehended by local authorities. The arrest followed a heated argument with friends gathering for Songkran during which Mr. Chamnan retrieved an 11 mm Colt pistol, from his residence with the intent to confront the group. The pistol was legally registered and purchased.
The nature of the argument was not revealed to the media.
Ms. Pathama Nomcharoen, 37, courageously intervened, restraining Mr. Chamnan and alerting the police, who promptly responded to the scene. The swift action by Ms. Nomcharoen and other villagers prevented the escalation of violence.
Mr. Chamnan, taken into custody by Police Lieutenant Phusitkarn Riamprakan and his team from the Banglamung Police Station, admitted to owning the firearm and claimed his intention was merely to intimidate, not to harm. He now faces charges for carrying firearms and ammunition into public areas without proper authorization, a serious offense under Thai law.
