Police are preparing to issue an arrest warrant for a 49-year-old man who drew a gun and shot a rival at a nightclub on Khao San Road, injuring two people, over a personal conflict. Meanwhile, business operators are urging the police to enforce stricter weapon controls.
On 1 Feb 2026 GMT+7, a group of young men got into a fight and exchanged gunfire at a nightclub on Khao San Road past midnight. Two people were injured: Mr. Suriyan Kaewphan, 46, a staff member shot in the right shin with a bullet that passed through, and Mr. Sirisak Champur, 40, a tourist shot in the upper left thigh, also with a through-and-through bullet. Both were taken to hospital and are in stable condition.
The nightclub where the incident occurred is located about 30 meters from the police station, with the shooting taking place on the second floor of the venue.
At the scene, authorities seized a .38 Super pistol used in the shooting, loaded with one bullet in the chamber, plus a magazine containing five bullets of the same caliber. They also found six 9mm cartridge casings, one unknown caliber bullet, and a sharp folding knife. The suspect fled and was later identified as Mr. Pradit Paengkanya, 49.
When asked, a Khao San Road business operator said the incident reportedly occurred in the early morning hours of 31 January 2026 GMT+7, involving six gunshots. This was the first time a gun was used there, as previously only knives had been involved. The operator expressed fear and urged police and venue owners to strictly check for weapons, since Khao San Road is a major tourist spot. They believe this incident could harm the area's tourism image, especially at night when many foreign tourists visit. They noted that security and weapon control have not been strict enough, and called on authorities to help and quickly apprehend the suspect.
Pol. Col. Nipon Nithikarnlert, superintendent of Chanasongkram Police Station, said investigators have identified the suspect and are gathering evidence to request an arrest warrant from the court today. The dispute arose from a prior conflict, leading to a confrontation at the nightclub where gunfire was exchanged, resulting in injuries. Investigators and relevant agencies are currently meeting to discuss case progress and next legal steps.
Pol. Col. Nipon Nithikarnlert explained before a meeting that the incident happened on the night of 31 January near the entrance of a hotel with a nightclub inside. Investigation revealed that the injured parties and the suspect had arranged to settle their dispute, but before talking, shots were fired at one party's friend, hitting the upper leg. Additionally, a nightclub employee was accidentally shot in the shin and hospitalized. The suspect fled the scene.
The suspect has been identified as Mr. Pradit Paengkanya, 49. Initial information indicates he had prior issues with one of the injured parties and they had arranged to meet after exchanging challenges on social media. Detailed motives will be clarified after questioning. Police have requested a court-issued arrest warrant and are actively pursuing the suspect to bring him to justice.
Regarding the carrying of firearms into a major tourist area with many foreign visitors, the Chanasongkram Police chief said this may be a blind spot since there is no screening point like during festivals. The suspect had not yet entered the nightclub, so security guards did not check him, allowing the incident to occur beforehand. Authorities plan to enhance security measures to boost tourist confidence.