Pattaya, Chonburi– A tragic shooting occurred in the early hours of April 19th, 2026, when reportedly a drunken off duty/out of uniform Pattaya police investigator allegedly fired his service weapon, killing the owner of a cannabis shop in an alley under a popular entertainment venue in Walking Street in South Pattaya.
An update on this story including details on the police officer suspect is here.
At approximately 1:06 a.m., Pol. Lt. Col. Peerayut Brisuttham, an investigator from Pattaya City Police Station, received a report of a shooting with a seriously injured victim. The incident took place behind a cannabis shop in a small alley connecting Walking Street to Pattaya Bay under a popular entertainment venue.
Upon notification, Pol. Lt. Col. Peerayut informed his superior, Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, commander of Pattaya City Police Station. Police officers and rescue volunteers rushed to the scene.
At the location, officers found Mr. Phatthran Jirachokchaikul, 41, the cannabis shop owner, lying on the ground with two gunshot wounds to his torso. He was in critical condition, breathing heavily, with friends urging him to stay conscious. Rescue personnel provided initial first aid, including CPR, and urgently transported him to hospital. However, unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Police cordoned off the area with crime scene tape and took the suspect into custody. The suspect was identified as a detective attached to Pattaya City Police Station, however his name was initially withheld pending further police investigation. Officers seized his 11mm service pistol and ammunition as evidence.
Witnesses told police that the suspect, who was heavily intoxicated from alcohol, suddenly drew his gun and threatened people in the area. He then allegedly fired shots into a nearby entertainment venue, though no one was injured there. The victim, Mr. Phatthran, intervened to calm the situation and urged the suspect to put away the weapon. Despite the victim raising his hands in a pleading gesture and there being no prior argument or fight, the suspect ignored him and fired two shots, causing the victim to collapse.
Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, Pattaya City Police Station commander, ordered the investigation team to gather evidence and continue questioning the suspect.
The incident occurred amid Songkran (Thai New Year) celebrations, locally known as “Wan Lai,” which often involve heavy drinking. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the full circumstances, including the suspect’s intoxication level and exact sequence of events.
This case has shocked local residents and business owners in the popular tourist area of Walking Street, raising concerns about alcohol-fueled violence during the festive period. Further updates are expected as the police investigation progresses.
This is a developing story.
