A youth gang opened fire loudly at the Mae Ramphueng Beach event in Rayong, killing one and injuring three, including a young girl. Police are urgently collecting evidence and reviewing surveillance footage to track down the perpetrators for prosecution.
At 23:40 on 18 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chaikrit Taorat, an investigator at Rayong City Police Station, received a report of a shooting in a public place with multiple casualties, including a fatality. The incident occurred near the Mae Ramphueng Shrine, Village No. 9, Tapong Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District, within the area hosting the "Mae Ramphueng Beach Eastern Colors" event. Investigative units from Rayong City Police, patrol officers, and rescue personnel from Sawang Phon Kusol Rayong Foundation promptly responded to the scene.
At the scene, three bullet casings were found. The injured were transported by rescue workers to Rayong Hospital. The deceased was identified as Mr. Pannatat. The three injured include Mr. Phakorn, shot in the abdomen; Mr. Phattharaphon, shot in the leg; and a young girl, Natnicha, shot in her left leg. Authorities rushed them to Rayong Hospital for treatment.
Initial investigation revealed that prior to the shooting, two groups of youths had an altercation, followed by about three consecutive gunshots in the area amid attendees. Upon inspection, officers found bullet casings and coordinated with detectives to urgently review CCTV footage and gather further evidence.
Authorities are currently pursuing Mr. Pharanayu and Mr. Sharut, who are believed to be connected to the incident and reportedly were recently released from a juvenile detention center. The suspects fled on a cream-colored Honda Lead motorcycle. The firearm used is of unknown caliber.
After the incident, police inspected the crime scene, collected bullet casings and other evidence, and are expediting witness interviews and CCTV review. They are actively pursuing those involved to enforce the law while continuing a thorough investigation into the cause and motives behind the shooting.