Terror at the Festival: Gunman Opens Fire with Shotgun in Nakhon Ratchasima, Leaving 6 Injured

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand — Panic erupted late on Wednesday night, August 12, 2026 at a bustling local street fair in northeastern Thailand after a gang confrontation escalated into a violent, retaliatory shooting. Six people were injured—several severely—when a gunman opened fire with a shotgun directly into a crowd of vendors and event goers in the Dan Khun Thot district.

The attack occurred around 10:30 p.m. at the "Chim Shop Chai" fair, held near the Pho Khun Thod Monument.

According to event organizers and local police, the chaotic sequence of events began when a gang of thieves was caught attempting to steal a parked motorcycle nearby. The vehicle's owner confronted the group, prompting fair organizers and nearby bystanders to intervene and help restrain one of the suspects.

During the struggle, one suspect managed to break free and flee the area. However, the individual returned shortly after, accompanied by an armed group equipped with knives and a handmade shotgun.

As vendors were packing up their stalls for the night, the assailants launched a sudden assault. The gunman discharged the shotgun toward the crowd, sending widespread lead pellets scattering across the fairgrounds and striking bystanders and shopkeepers.

Volunteer rescue workers from the Hook 31 Foundation rushed to the scene to provide emergency medical treatment before transporting all six victims to Luangpor Khoon Parisutho Hospital. Those suffering from severe and life-threatening injuries were later transferred to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for specialized surgical care.

Responding officers from the Dan Khun Thot Police Station managed to apprehend one primary suspect shortly after the incident. Forensic teams are performing gunpowder residue tests while investigators launch a widespread manhunt for the remaining accomplices who fled the scene.

In the wake of the incident, district officials announced heightened security protocols for all upcoming public gatherings and night markets in the area. Local authorities confirmed that additional police patrols will be deployed across Dan Khun Thot to reassure frightened residents and prevent potential retaliatory violence, while community leaders urge anyone with footage or information regarding the fleeing accomplices to step forward immediately.