Bangkok: A noodle vendor shot and killed a liquor store owner following a dispute at the Kot Pia Tawanna concert. The altercation between female friends escalated to violence outside the event's premises. The event organizer assured that strict screening measures were implemented for all attendees.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident involved Mr. Kittiphum, aged 27, who fatally shot Mr. Chaturawit, aged 36, owner of a liquor store in the Rom Klao area, after the concert. Mr. Chaturawit sustained gunshot wounds under his left breast and right ribs, which proved fatal. Authorities seized a silver .38 caliber Thai-made revolver from Mr. Kittiphum, which contained five shells and one unspent bullet. The case has been forwarded to Lat Phrao Police Station for legal action.
Law enforcement apprehended Mr. Kittiphum, who admitted to assisting his mother in selling Khanom Jeen and recounted the sequence of events leading to the shooting. He claimed that a female friend in his group clashed with a female friend from Mr. Chaturawit's group, resulting in a scuffle. Despite apologies, tensions escalated, leading to physical confrontation. Mr. Kittiphum retrieved a gun from his car, fired it into the air, and subsequently pursued Mr. Chaturawit before returning to his vehicle. He revealed that he acquired the firearm via a LINE group for approximately 20,000 baht.
Charges against Mr. Kittiphum include unauthorized possession of firearms and ammunition, carrying firearms in public without justifiable reason, discharging a firearm in a public space without cause, and causing death through firearm use. He has been remanded to Ratchada Criminal Court for initial detention.
The event organizer clarified that the incident occurred post-midnight outside the event's jurisdiction. The organizer's team intervened by alerting authorities and assisting in apprehending the suspect. The organizer reiterated that all attendees underwent ID, weapon, and drug checks prior to entering the event. The weapon, however, was kept in Mr. Kittiphum's car, parked outside the event area. Consequently, the band Thaitosmith, scheduled to perform, has opted to withdraw, citing safety concerns.
In response to allegations of a news team being threatened and having their equipment confiscated, the event organizer denied these claims. They acknowledged a misunderstanding with the media but clarified that their only action was to request the deletion of unauthorized footage. Reports suggest the news team may pursue legal action against the involved parties.