Pattaya, November 2nd, 2025-
A 17-year-old boy was fatally shot in the back early Saturday morning after a group of teenagers pursued rivals on motorcycles to “settle a dispute” sparked by a shouted insult, police said.
The victim, identified as Anupong Thamabun, nicknamed “Ta,” was pronounced dead at Pattaya Memorial Hospital shortly after 5:16 a.m. from a single gunshot wound that pierced his left ribcage and severed a major artery near the heart.
According to witnesses, the incident unfolded on the Pong-Khao Mai Kaew Road.
A 13-year-old friend, identified only as “M” for privacy, told reporters that three motorcycles carrying rival teens passed their group and the rear rider shouted random insults. The younger boys then rode to inform two older friends—Ratchat Phetleela, 17, nicknamed “Ae,” and the victim Anupong—who agreed to follow the group to “talk it out.”
Ratchat drove the motorcycle with Anupong riding pillion. The pair reportedly only exchanged glances with the suspected group before one rider suddenly drew what appeared to be a pen gun and fired a single round into Anupong’s back without warning.
“He didn’t say anything—just pulled the gun and shot,” the 13-year-old said. “We never had any prior conflict with them. The younger kids were the ones insulted, and we just wanted to clear things up.”
Friends rushed the bleeding teen to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries en route.
Grieving relatives gathered outside the hospital as police collected statements. Authorities confirmed they would file a formal complaint at Nong Prue Police Station and submit mobile phone footage—recorded by a bystander showing the suspect group allegedly returning to the scene— as evidence to track down the shooter.
Police have launched a manhunt for the gunman and his accomplices. The motive appears tied to teenage gang rivalry, though investigators say the fatal shot was fired without direct provocation toward the victim or his companion.
The killing has shocked the local community and reignited concerns over youth violence and illegal firearms in the Pattaya area. This comes only two days after a Pakistani DJ was attacked in South Pattaya in broad daylight in another possible road rage incident by a group of multiple Thai men, possibly angry over him beeping his horn at them.
