The tranquil late-night scene of Nonthaburi’s Mueang district was shattered in the early hours of March 24, 2025. The clock had barely ticked past 3:30 a.m. when an alarming incident unfolded at the entrance of Soi Samakkhi 26, resulting in the arrest of a 30-year-old man. His connection? He was the son of a notable apartment owner in the area—a detail that certainly added a layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama.
What happened next was a stark contrast to the typical quietude of the district. The arrival of the police at the scene, accompanied by an entourage of emergency services, revealed a grim sight—a 17-year-old boy, known only as A, lying gravely wounded. He had been struck by a bullet that tore through his chest, piercing the left rib cage and leaving him in critical condition. Swiftly administered first aid was followed by a frantic rush to Phra Nang Klao Hospital, where doctors continued the fight for A’s life.
As the story unfolded, it became apparent that the night wasn’t supposed to end this way for A and his friends. According to B, a 17-year-old girl who was part of the group, they were simply waiting on their motorcycles at the entrance of the soi. The night seemed young, and they likely had no inkling of the confrontation that was about to take place—an encounter with Suriya, a figure shrouded in neighborhood mystery, who emerged from a nearby building. He demanded to know the reason for their presence, leading to an altercation that escalated with shocking rapidity.
It culminated in gunfire, with Suriya allegedly pulling the trigger twice. One shot found its mark, tragically injuring young A. The group, in a state of panic, fled into the shelter of a nearby building, perhaps hoping that the nightmare would end as swiftly as it had begun.
As dawn broke, the gravity of the situation began to settle in. By 1:00 p.m. the same day, the relentless efforts of the Deputy Investigation Superintendent Phasakorn Chaiyathiwong and his team bore fruit. They meticulously pieced together the puzzle leading to Suriya’s identification as the suspect. He was apprehended in the confines of his apartment room, where evidence—an ominous .38 calibre handgun and a spent shell casing—was recovered, painting a vivid picture of the night’s chaos.
Suriya’s account of the incident brought a convoluted twist—he alleged self-defense, claiming to have been the victim of an attack sparked by the group’s noise. Yet, even as he confessed to the shooting, remorse colored his words. He seemed genuinely shaken by the course of events, expressing regret that his actions had spun out of control. Despite attempting to rationalize his decisions, he accepted responsibility, aware that the scales of justice would weigh his actions ever so carefully.
The legal apparatus is now in motion, with Suriya facing a litany of charges: attempted murder, illegal firearm possession, and discharging a firearm in a populated area, to name just a few. With solemnity, he was transferred to Rattanathibet Police Station for the impending legal battle that awaits him.
Meanwhile, the community’s collective gaze has turned towards A, who battles for life under the vigilant care of the intensive care unit’s medical team. The shadow of that fateful night lingers, casting long reflections about safety, justice, and the ever-capricious nature of human actions.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that even in the midst of life’s ordinariness, chaos can strike without warning. As the local community grapples with this unsettling event, one can only hope that justice and healing will prevail, restoring a sense of peace and normalcy to Nonthaburi’s weary streets.
This is heartbreaking. How can someone just shoot a teenager like that?
It’s terrifying to think about. Also, why would anyone carry a gun around at night?
Exactly, especially in a quiet area like Nonthaburi. Totally senseless.
People think a gun makes them safer, but look where it got him now, in jail.
But think about it, what if he really was defending himself? We weren’t there to see what happened.
I’d like to see the evidence before passing judgment. Was it self-defense, as Suriya claimed?
Whether it was self-defense or not, he should have called the police instead of shooting.
Agreed, but it’s important to wait for the investigation results before canceling someone.
No matter the situation, there is no excuse for violence, especially against kids waiting on bikes.
Exactly, totally uncalled for. Hope A pulls through this.
This is what happens when firearms are too easy to access. When will we learn?
It’s sad. A simple argument shouldn’t end like this. Youths need better conflict resolution strategies taught in schools.
Why were those kids out so late at night anyway? Where are their guardians?
That’s what I’m wondering too. Our teens are out there with dangers lurking.
It’s not a crime to be out at night. It’s the shooter’s responsibility to act right.
Can we trust the law to take him off the streets? I’ve lost faith in the system.
Suriya comes from an influential family, might get away with it.
I hope justice is blind and sees only the crime, not the connections.
Shooting in self-defense? When did protecting oneself translate to pulling a trigger on teenagers?
The legal charges are serious and they should set a strong example through this case.
Sending love to A and his family. They need all the support they can get right now.
The community’s safety is jeopardized when such incidents occur. Action needs to be taken to restore peace.
Guns don’t shoot themselves. The affection for firearms needs to be addressed.
An unfortunate event for both families. Nobody comes out unscathed in these situations.
What’s the next step for Nonthaburi? Are there any plans for increased neighborhood security?