A group of teenagers armed with guns opened fire at a reporter’s table in Phatthalung town, causing widespread fear among locals. The perpetrators brazenly repeated the attack. Authorities have now identified the suspects as sons of a former police officer.
At 00:40 on 25 May 2026, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sukrit Songsang, an investigator, inspected a mala hotpot restaurant after receiving reports that four teenagers on two motorcycles, carrying two firearms, fired shots at a table in front of the restaurant. Present were local reporter Nitikorn Udomsin, 26, the restaurant owner, staff, and five friends, totaling seven people.
At the scene, authorities found several bullet fragments, which were collected as evidence. They are reviewing CCTV footage to track down the suspects for prosecution.
Nitikorn said that after the restaurant closed, he and seven friends were sitting outside as usual, parking their news vehicles by the roadside. Then two teenage males on motorcycles passed by and fired three shots into the air in front of the restaurant before riding away. Everyone thought the incident was over.
However, within three minutes, the group returned on another motorcycle. One motorcycle passed the restaurant and parked ahead, while the other stopped just before it. Then they fired indiscriminately into the restaurant without regard for the law, forcing everyone to flee inside in panic before the assailants sped away.
This incident has deeply frightened local residents, especially as Phatthalung has recently seen frequent shootings by teenagers, with continuous news coverage. Just on the night of 22 May, teenagers exchanged gunfire resulting in the death of a 15-year-old youth and one seriously injured.
Mrs. Kung, 53, a resident living next to the restaurant, expressed fear: "When I heard the first gunshots, I went out to see if anyone was hurt, but then I had to run for my life again when the teenagers returned and brazenly attacked a second time. I feel completely unsafe. These youths are reckless, shooting in the middle of town and returning to shoot again as if they fear no law at all."
Local residents have called on police to swiftly apprehend the suspects and strengthen safety measures, viewing the growing youth violence as a serious threat that is increasingly endangering citizens and the media.
Recently, Police Colonel Somprat Kannakanon, Chief of Phatthalung Police Station, along with forensic and investigative teams, inspected the scene and collected evidence including bullet casings and parts of revolvers and shotguns found at the site.
CCTV investigation identified the suspects as the group of "Namo," son of a former police officer. Their target was local reporter Nitikorn. Authorities believe the motive may be dissatisfaction with his journalistic work, as his team has reported extensively on local youth crime. Officials have not ruled out other individuals being involved or connected to the incident.
One suspect is a 16-year-old youth with prior charges including attempted murder and three firearms offenses. He had previously been released on bail under juvenile rights but has reoffended. Police said this repeat violent behavior will be used to oppose bail to prevent further harm to the public.
Nitikorn, the local reporter, said, "I am worried about this incident as it poses serious risks while performing my duties, which require reporting both day and night. The perpetrators show no respect for the law. I urge police to take strong action against youth gun violence to ensure the safety of the public and media workers in the area."