In the early hours of Wednesday, a tragic incident unfolded at the Khrua Thapthim seafood restaurant in Bang Khunthian district, Bangkok. The scene was a grim one, highlighted by a blurred figure lying on the restaurant floor, an image shared by PPTV HD36 on Facebook.
A Vietnamese employee, identified as Hong Van Duc, aged 28, met a tragic end after being shot while drinking with the owner’s son. The chilling event took place at the well-known seafood establishment located on Soi Thian Thalae 23 on Thian Thalae Road in the Tha Kham area.
According to Pol Capt Thatsanai Khudsap, the deputy investigation chief of Thian Thalae, the incident was reported to the police around 3:30 am. When law enforcement, forensic experts, medics, and rescue workers arrived, they were met with a distressing sight. The lifeless body of a man lay face-up in a pool of blood, with a single gunshot wound to his head. Nearby, six empty beer bottles were found scattered on a table, painting a somber picture of the night’s earlier moments of camaraderie.
Authorities quickly identified the deceased from his work permit as Hong Van Duc, a Vietnamese national employed at the restaurant. The grimness of the scene was compounded by the fact that Duc was not the only victim that night. Another Vietnamese employee, Dinh Van Trang, aged 39, had sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and back. Despite his injuries, Trang survived and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, he was reported to be out of immediate danger.
Investigations revealed that the two victims were enjoying drinks with the owner’s son after the restaurant had closed for the night. What began as a commonplace leisure activity spiraled into a nightmare when the owner’s son allegedly became enraged. In a flash of fury, he reportedly fired a single shot at Duc, striking him in the head and resulting in his immediate death. The ordeal didn’t end there. The shooter turned his weapon on Trang, firing at him in the chest and again in the back as the latter attempted to escape. After the violent outburst, the assailant fled from the restaurant.
Determined to bring justice, the police began examining security camera footage and launched an intensive manhunt for the shooter. The search soon bore fruit. By Wednesday morning, a man, identified only as Thanakorn, surrendered himself at the Thian Thalae police station. His family had coordinated his surrender, and he was taken into custody for questioning regarding the night’s tragic events.
As the investigation proceeds, the community surrounding the Khrua Thapthim seafood restaurant is left grappling with the shock of the violence that shattered a routine night. The incident stands as a stark reminder of how quickly tempers can flare, turning ordinary moments into scenes of irrevocable disaster. The heartfelt condolences of many go to the families of the victims, and there is hope that justice will be served swiftly and fairly.
It’s unimaginable that such violence can erupt so suddenly. My heart goes out to the victims and their families.
The real question is why was a gun even present at the restaurant in the first place? This could have been avoided.
Guns can escalate any situation. In a place meant for relaxation, their presence is unjustifiable.
Absolutely, ThaiCheff37. Access to firearms can definitely lead to tragic outcomes.
Alice J., while it’s tragic, let’s not blame the guns entirely. It’s people who pull the trigger.
Why wasn’t there more security at the restaurant, especially late at night?
True, but I doubt anyone expects a colleague’s son to open fire. It’s beyond their control in some sense.
Fair point, Sandy. But places serving alcohol should have tighter security protocols.
beezy, security can’t prevent someone from bringing a gun if they really want to cause harm.
Why is there not more discussion on mental health? This kind of rage doesn’t come from nowhere.
Good point, Carlos. Might be deeper issues at play with the owner’s son.
Exactly, ‘notspecial’. We need to focus on mental health to prevent such tragedies.
Honestly, alcohol and tempers don’t mix, especially in such environments.
This is so horrific. The restaurant will never be the same again for the community.
The legal repercussions for Thanakorn should be severe. This kind of violence needs a strict response.
Two lives forever altered by one person’s moment of rage. Absolutely heartbreaking.
Consider the trauma for other employees too. They’ve lost a colleague and now live with this memory.
If only Thailand had stronger gun control laws, maybe this wouldn’t have happened.
You think gun control is going to stop someone determined? Criminals find a way regardless.
I can’t even imagine what Duc’s family must be going through right now.
I know, it’s unbearable to think of losing someone so suddenly and violently.
This is why I keep saying, restaurants with alcohol must have zero-tolerance for weapons.
John, that’s easier said than done. The focus should be more on preventing such enraged incidents.
It’s so sad to see this kind of violence. It just shouldn’t happen.
Incidents like these highlight the need for better conflict resolution education from an early age.
Absolutely. If people were better equipped to handle conflict, perhaps such tragedies could be avoided.
Random question: who’s still partying at 3:30 am? Clearly not the best idea.
RichieB, in many cultures, closing time can be quite late, but that’s not the issue here.
True, but the late hours might increase the risk of incidents due to fatigue and alcohol.
What about Trang’s family? They must be relieved he’s out of immediate danger.
Absolutely, Student5. But he will have a long recovery ahead, both physically and mentally.
Good point, Yuki. His life has been changed forever.
So senseless. This reminds me of how precious life and calm conflicts are.
Just read this and can’t help but think about how often tragedies like these could be prevented.
Incredible how quickly life can change. Can’t take moments for granted.
True. Reminds us all to value every peaceful moment we have.
Anyone else curious about the owner’s son’s background? What’s driving such rage?
The man’s surrender is a step toward justice, but it won’t undo the harm done.
Tragic event. Shows how important it is to address anger and mental health issues.
The community must come together to support the families and each other during this difficult time.