Tragedy at the Range: Man Fatally Shoots Himself with Rented Handgun in Nonthaburi

NONTHABURI, Thailand — A 36-year-old man died on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 in an apparent suicide after shooting himself with a rented firearm outside a popular shooting range in the Bang Bua Thong district of Nonthaburi province.

Police officers and emergency medical teams rushed to the facility following reports of a gunshot. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of the victim, identified by authorities as Nawadol, lying on the ground just outside the building. He had suffered a single, fatal gunshot wound to the temple. A rented 11mm automatic handgun was recovered from the scene next to the body.

According to statements provided to investigators by a range instructor, Nawadol was a recurring patron at the facility. On Tuesday afternoon, he entered the premises to rent a handgun and purchase ammunition for a routine practice session. Witnesses reported that after spending time on the target line, Nawadol requested to step outside briefly under the pretense of taking a cigarette break.

Range staff initially reminded him of safety regulations requiring all rented firearms to remain strictly inside the designated shooting lanes. However, investigators believe Nawadol managed to slip past the monitoring area while concealing the loaded weapon before walking outside and taking his own life.

Family members summoned to the scene by local police revealed that Nawadol had been suffering from severe, documented depression for several months prior to the incident.

Bang Bua Thong police have launched a formal investigation into the shooting range's safety protocols and staff oversight to determine how the customer was able to bypass range control measures with a loaded weapon. Forensic teams are examining the scene and security camera footage as part of the ongoing inquiry.

In the wake of the tragedy, local law enforcement officials indicated they will review security guidelines across commercial firing ranges in the province to prevent similar occurrences. Industry representatives and mental health advocates noted that the case highlights a critical need for enhanced screening measures, staff vigilance, and stricter physical containment protocols for rented weapons within recreation facilities.