Pattaya– A group of five assailants stormed the home of a local spiritual practitioner known as “Ajarn Keng” in the early hours of Sunday, assaulting residents and attempting to shoot one of them before fleeing when their firearm malfunctioned.
The incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. on May 10th, 2026, at a single-storey concrete house in Soi Mab Ta To 8, Moo 13. The property, which serves as both a residence and a shrine, features numerous deity statues arranged at the front.
According to police reports and the victims’ statements, the attackers broke in, damaged household items, and physically assaulted the occupants. One of the intruders, described as a large-built man carrying a shoulder bag and wearing a waist pouch, was captured on video arguing aggressively before drawing a handgun, cocking it, and pointing it at the victim at close range.
The gun, however, jammed and failed to fire. The group then fled the scene.
Mr. Pariphat Akkaraphinun, also known as “Ajarn Keng,” 43, told The Pattaya News reporters he had no prior conflicts with anyone but admitted borrowing 3,000 baht from a woman referred to only as “Aunt Su.” He claimed she had previously called to threaten him, saying she would not come alone if he failed to repay the debt.
During the attack, one of the assailants reportedly shouted, “If you owe Aunt Su money, pay her back!” Ajarn Keng believes the group was sent by the lender. He narrowly escaped injury and attributed his survival to “the grace of the deities” protecting his home.
His elder brother, Mr. Vanu Ruekruthai, 48, who filmed part of the confrontation, was severely beaten. He sustained heavy bruising around his left eye, which was swollen shut, along with fractures to his left cheekbone and nose, according to doctors. He was transferred for further treatment at a hospital in Chonburi town.
Both brothers later filed a formal complaint at Nongprue Police Station, where the incident was officially recorded. Police are investigating the case and searching for the suspects.
The partial video clip recorded by the victims shows the confrontation escalating from verbal abuse to physical violence and the failed shooting attempt. Authorities are reviewing the footage as key evidence.
