Phuket – A shooting incident took place at Koh Bing Market in Thalang District, involving a dispute between the market owner and a partner. An ice delivery man was inadvertently injured during the crossfire.
At approximately 7:30 PM on September 23, 2023, Police Lieutenant Colonel Patiwat Yodkhwan of Thalang Police Station received reports from locals about gunfire at Koh Bing Market in Moo 1, Srisunthorn, Thalang. One person was injured and brought to Thalang Hospital. He, along with Police Colonel Niyam Chuthong, the station chief, quickly deployed an investigation team to the scene.
Upon arrival, they found a large market bustling with vendors and locals discussing the unfolding events. Meanwhile, several vendors started to leave, fearing for their safety. Police worked to secure the area, determining that the injured individual was a 50-year-old worker named Boonlod Phanthuphan, who sustained a gunshot wound to his right shoulder but was conscious and able to provide statements to the officers.
The primary suspect identified is 68-year-old Manas Korjaroenkij, known as Koh Bing, the market owner, who fled the scene after the shooting. Law enforcement officials are actively pursuing him for questioning before any legal actions are taken.
Witnesses at the market reported that the suspect had a verbal altercation and fought with a local village chief before pulling out a firearm, leading to the injury of Boonlod. Fortunately, his wounds are not life-threatening, and police will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
A vendor at the market, Jame, described her experience, stating, “I didn’t see what happened. I just saw them gathering together and then heard gunshots. I was shocked and ran to hide. It was terrifying.”
Meanwhile, Police Colonel Akinith Danpitaksasan, Deputy Commander of Phuket Police, led a team to examine the scene and reported that around 8 PM, the Thalang Police Station received a tip-off about gunfire at Koh Bing Market. Following their investigation, they discovered that the shooter is the market owner, Koh Bing, and confirmed two people were injured, but their injuries were not severe and they are now in stable condition. Initial findings suggest the incident stemmed from business disagreements between the shooter and the injured parties, who were involved in operating the market.
