A violent shooting erupted near Tonsai Market in Samut Prakan’s Phra Pradaeng district on Friday afternoon, leaving one man dead and two others seriously injured in what authorities believe was a targeted attack between rival factions. The bloodshed occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m., shockingly on the opening day of the popular flea market’s new season.

Man sought for threatening shooting at Khon Kaen mall

Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as nearly a dozen gunshots rang out, sending panicked shoppers and vendors scrambling for cover. Police arriving at the scene discovered eight spent bullet casings scattered across Phetchahueng Road, just meters from the Bang Yor tambon administration office. The deceased victim, whose identity remains withheld pending family notification, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. Two other men were rushed to a nearby hospital in serious condition, Amarin TV reported.

Samut Prakan police have identified the prime suspect only as “Bird,” a 30-year-old man now the subject of a province-wide manhunt. Investigators revealed the shooting appears connected to an ongoing dispute between competing groups vying for control of the market’s operations, local police reported.

เมื่อเวลา 12.10 น.ตำรวจ สภ.พระประแดง ได้รับแจ้งเหตุยิงกัน มีผู้บาดเจ็บและเสียชีวิต เหตุเกิดตลาดบางยอ ต.บางยอ อ.พระประแดง จ.สมุทรปราการ

ตรวจสอบพบผู้เสียชีวิต เป็นชาย 1 ราย ถูงปืนไม่ทราบขนาดยิงเข้าที่ศีรษะ เสียชีวิต และมีผู้บาดอีก 2 ราย นำส่งไปรักษาตัวที่โรงพยาบาล… pic.twitter.com/L9ltWAeTP8

— FM91 Trafficpro (@fm91trafficpro) April 4, 2025

“This was not a random act of violence but a calculated attack stemming from a personal conflict,” said Police Colonel Narongrit Promsawat during a press briefing. “We have multiple leads and expect to make an arrest soon.”

The brazen midday shooting has reignited concerns about public safety in crowded commercial areas, with local vendors expressing outrage that such violence could occur during peak shopping hours. Market officials announced temporary closures while police complete their investigation, leaving dozens of merchants without income.

As forensic teams continue processing the crime scene, authorities have appealed for any witnesses or individuals with cellphone footage to come forward. The two surviving victims remain under medical care, with doctors describing their conditions as stable but serious.

Phuket Restaurant Targeted Twice Overnight by Foreign Suspects in Shooting and Vandalism

This incident marks the third shooting in Samut Prakan this year, raising questions about escalating gang-related violence in the greater Bangkok metropolitan area. Provincial governors have pledged increased police patrols at major markets as the hunt for the suspect continues.

-Thailand News (TN)