Pattaya —
A ride-sharing driver was nabbed by Pattaya police early Thursday morning, April 25th, for firing a gun into the sea and terrifying nearby tourists.
The incident occurred around 2:36 AM in front of Soi 16 on Jomtien Beach. Local officials, including Banglamung District Secretary Mr. Phonchai Sang-iad, who unfortunately for the suspect happened to be sitting nearby with friends at the beach at the time of the incident and heard many gunshots fired into the sea. Phonchai had been in the area in plainclothes to monitor noise and crime complaints received by the Banglamung office recently.
Mr. Phonchai and other officials quickly ran to the incident scene and apprehended the suspect, Mr. Thotchaphon Aunwong, a 29-year-old Thai man who works for a ride-sharing application. The officials confiscated from him a HS-9 pistol, a holster, and 21 rounds of ammunition in his possession.
Mr. Thotchaphon confessed to owning the gun and firing it into the sea for fun. He also claimed to have other guns at home but only brought the one in question to the beach to relieve stress.
The suspect was taken into custody by Pattaya police for further investigation. He is expected to face several gun-related offenses.
The officials noted that Mr. Thotchaphon’s careless actions caused great fear among tourists at the beach.
