In a chilling act of violence that left Thailand in shock, a lone gunman opened fire at the bustling Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok, killing five civilians before turning the weapon on himself. The victims were identified as market security guards, raising serious concerns about internal security and the motivations behind such acts.
As videos from the incident began circulating online, showing the shooter moving unchallenged through the streets, fear and confusion gripped the public. The tragedy adds to a string of violent incidents in the country in recent years, sparking fresh debates about gun control and public safety.
An Ordinary Day Shattered by Chaos
Or Tor Kor Market is widely known for its clean layout and high-quality produce. Nestled in the Bang Sue district of Bangkok, the market is a hub for fresh agricultural goods and often frequented by both locals and tourists. But on Monday, what should have been a routine day turned into a nightmare. At approximately midday, chaos erupted as gunshots rang out, shattering the calm atmosphere of the market.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire, followed by screams and people running for safety. Moments later, a man in a black T-shirt and a white cap was seen walking down a market lane, calmly holding a handgun. Videos recorded by a hidden civilian from a safe vantage point showed the shooter passing by lifeless bodies without any sense of urgency or fear. The footage sent shockwaves across social media and news platforms, highlighting the brazen nature of the attack.
Another clip, taken from CCTV footage inside a nearby general store, captured terrified customers fleeing in panic. Though the shooter was not visible in this video, the sound of gunfire in the background confirmed the ongoing threat. Shoppers ducked and scattered, some even crawling on the floor to avoid getting caught in the line of fire.
🇹🇭A man shot five people at the Or Tor Kor market in Bangkok — Bangkok Post
— Intel Slava (@Intel_Slava) July 28, 2025
After that, he committed suicide. The shooter was found with documents in the name of a 61-year-old local resident.
The shooter's motives are unknown. pic.twitter.com/b5nSmdVOZ6
Authorities arrived at the scene soon after but not before the gunman had already taken his own life. The promptness with which the attack unfolded left little room for police intervention. Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Charin Gopatta, confirmed that the shooter had killed five individuals, all of whom were employed as security guards at the market.
Questions Unanswered: Who Was the Shooter and Why Did He Do It?
As of now, Thai police have yet to identify the gunman or uncover any clear motive behind the attack. The only information released was that the victims were security personnel, indicating that the act may not have been random. This has led to speculation that the gunman may have had a personal vendetta against the security team or the management of the market.
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Investigators are combing through surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing the attacker’s belongings to piece together what may have led to the mass shooting. Officials are also trying to determine how the shooter acquired the weapon used in the assault and whether it was registered or illegally obtained.
The market’s administration has so far remained silent, possibly awaiting the outcome of the police investigation. Families of the victims are left mourning, while the community grapples with the traumatic aftermath. Authorities have assured the public that all efforts are being made to get to the bottom of the case and restore a sense of safety.
Sanong Saengmani, a police official from the Bang Sue district, confirmed that no tourists were harmed in the incident. He also emphasized that the market would remain closed temporarily as a sign of respect to the deceased and to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
A Pattern of Escalating Violence
This is not the first time Thailand has been rocked by such senseless violence. In October 2023, a 14-year-old suspect carried out a deadly shooting spree at a luxury shopping mall in central Bangkok. Armed with a modified handgun, the teenager killed two people and injured five others before being apprehended. The incident raised alarm bells about how easy it had become for individuals—even minors—to access firearms and execute such attacks in public spaces.
More horrifying was the attack in 2022 by a former police officer, who went on a rampage at a nursery in eastern Thailand. The ex-cop killed 36 people, including 22 children, in a brutal attack involving both guns and knives. That event sent the nation into mourning and prompted a public outcry for tighter regulations on firearm ownership and mental health checks for gun license holders.
Despite these tragedies, significant reforms have been slow. Critics argue that the laws governing gun ownership in Thailand are outdated and poorly enforced. Black market dealings and unregistered firearms continue to pose a substantial risk, making it difficult for authorities to monitor or preempt such attacks.
Moreover, mental health is often overlooked, especially among individuals in high-stress or low-income environments. The combination of accessible weapons, inadequate mental health support, and a lack of early intervention mechanisms create a dangerous cocktail that too often leads to violence.
Public Safety and Policy Response
The shooting at Or Tor Kor Market has reignited debates about gun control and public safety in Thailand. Citizens and lawmakers alike are calling for immediate and effective policy changes. Proposed measures include stricter background checks, periodic mental health evaluations for gun license holders, and tougher penalties for illegal possession.
Public places such as markets, malls, schools, and offices are likely to see increased security in the coming weeks. Authorities are under pressure to not only solve the current case but also to prevent future tragedies. There is also a call for better community policing and awareness programs that encourage people to report suspicious behavior.
Another angle being explored is the psychological well-being of workers in high-stress environments like security and law enforcement. Early intervention programs, routine psychological assessments, and grievance redressal mechanisms could go a long way in mitigating internal conflicts before they escalate into violence.
While investigations continue, the market and its surrounding area remain a grim reminder of how quickly life can be upended by one individual’s actions. Makeshift memorials have sprung up outside the market as friends, families, and local residents come together to honor the lives lost.
The Thai government, meanwhile, is expected to issue an official statement once the investigation yields conclusive results. Until then, the public is left grappling with fear, uncertainty, and grief, once again forced to confront the unsettling reality of mass violence.
The shooting at Or Tor Kor Market is not just another tragic headline—it’s a wake-up call for a nation that must now decide how to respond to a recurring nightmare. The scars left behind won’t easily fade, but perhaps they can serve as a catalyst for the meaningful change that has long been overdue.