A horrifying mass shooting at Bangkok’s Or Tor Kor food market left six people dead and one injured on July 27, shaking Thailand to its core and raising fresh concerns over gun violence and public safety, reported Hindustan Times.
Gunman Opens Fire in Broad Daylight
The incident unfolded around 3:30 PM at one of Bangkok’s most renowned and busiest fresh markets. Witnesses reported that a man, later identified as a 54-year-old former soldier, walked calmly into the market and opened fire, sending shoppers and vendors scrambling for cover.
According to Thai police, six people were killed instantly while another person sustained serious injuries. The alleged shooter used a legally registered firearm and was arrested at the scene without resistance. He has since been charged with multiple counts of murder.
Personal Feud Suspected
Initial investigations suggest the shooting was the result of a long-standing personal dispute. The suspect reportedly targeted specific individuals, though some bystanders also fell victim to the indiscriminate gunfire. Authorities confirmed that the attack was premeditated.
Police Lieutenant General Samran Nuanma revealed that the suspect had previously served in the Royal Thai Army and possessed a valid firearm license. However, authorities are now reviewing how he retained his license despite a history of disputes.
Chaos and Fear at Or Tor Kor
The Or Tor Kor market, popular with both locals and tourists for its fresh produce and Thai delicacies, turned into a scene of horror within seconds. Stunned shoppers ducked behind stalls, fled through narrow alleyways, and hid in storage rooms as shots rang out.
Vendors described hearing what sounded like firecrackers before realizing it was gunfire. Within minutes, emergency responders arrived at the scene, cordoned off the market, and transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
Video footage from surveillance cameras and eyewitness mobile recordings is now part of the police investigation.
National Shock and Call for Reform
Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the victims. “This act of violence has no place in Thai society,” he said, adding that authorities would conduct a thorough review of firearm ownership laws.
This shooting has once again thrust Thailand’s gun control policies into the spotlight. Despite strict licensing procedures, firearms remain widely accessible in the country. According to the Small Arms Survey, Thailand has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia.
The tragedy at Or Tor Kor comes nearly two years after a mass shooting at a daycare center in northeastern Thailand that claimed over 30 lives, mostly children.
Security Measures and Market Closure
In the aftermath of the shooting, Or Tor Kor market was closed temporarily for investigations. Security has been heightened across major public venues in Bangkok. Police patrols have been increased in densely populated zones, and additional surveillance measures have been recommended for other marketplaces.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has also announced mental health counseling support for survivors, witnesses, and affected families.
Public Anger and Policy Debate
Social media in Thailand erupted in anger, with citizens demanding stricter vetting for gun licenses and better background checks. Hashtags calling for gun reform began trending on Twitter and Facebook, reflecting public frustration over repeated lapses in civilian safety.
Activists and civil rights groups are urging the government to implement psychological screening for gun owners and create a centralized system to monitor behavioral patterns of license holders.
The national conversation is now centered on whether Thailand’s current legal framework is equipped to prevent such tragedies, especially in urban spaces teeming with civilians.
A Tragedy That Demands Action
As Thailand mourns yet another senseless loss of life, the shooting at Or Tor Kor market stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need for reforms in gun control laws and mental health oversight. For now, the country watches as justice unfolds — and hopes that meaningful changes will follow.
Photo Source: HT
