A young soldier with a promising future was fatally shot in an unlicensed nightclub in the heart of Hua Hin on 18 August 2024, sparking questions about law enforcement’s role in allowing such venues to operate. It was reported that the suspect involved in the shooting may have ties to law enforcement.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 4:00 a.m. in Soi Hua Hin 80, a well-known area for bars and restaurants in Hua Hin Municipality, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The Sawang Hua Hin Thammasathan Rescue Center received an emergency call reporting a shooting, which resulted in one death and one injury.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Surapong Prathumwan from the Hua Hin Police Station, along with investigative officers and rescue teams, arrived at the scene to find a crowd of shocked patrons outside the establishment. The nightclub, located approximately 50 meters from Phetchakasem Road, featured a designated parking area and a gray-black building with a yellow roof. Outside, there were white tents and tables with alcoholic beverages still on them.
Inside, the body of a 31-year-old man, identified as Sergeant Major Rojanaphon, a non-commissioned officer at the Infantry School, Thanarat Camp in Pranburi, was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Two 9mm bullet casings were recovered from the scene. Another individual was injured by a stray bullet and was quickly taken to a private hospital.
Family members of the deceased, including his mother, a school director in Pranburi, and his wife, who traveled from Chonburi, were present at the scene. His wife was particularly devastated and fainted upon arrival, requiring first aid from police and rescue personnel.
At approximately 9:10 a.m., Deputy Provincial Police Commander Kittiphop Chompoonut arrived with forensic teams from Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Hua Hin Hospital medical examiners, and volunteers from the Sawang Hua Hin Thammasathan Foundation to investigate the scene further. The victim’s body was later transported to the Police General Hospital in Bangkok for a more thorough autopsy. The area was cordoned off, with only authorized personnel allowed access.
Deputy Provincial Police Commander Kittiphop stated that preliminary findings from Hua Hin Hospital revealed three gunshot wounds on the victim. While the suspect’s identity is known, authorities are in the process of gathering evidence to issue an arrest warrant. Regarding the nightclub, which was operating without a license, police are conducting further investigations. He emphasized that efforts will be made to bring the perpetrator to justice swiftly.
The victim’s mother expressed profound grief over the sudden loss of her son, emphasizing the shock of such violence occurring in a town she considered safe. She thanked the media and those who supported her at the scene, stating that her son was a well-behaved and dutiful individual, and she never expected such a tragedy to occur.
The victim’s uncle suggested that the altercation may have been sparked by an accidental bump with a woman accompanying the suspect, leading to the fatal shooting.
Patrons of the nightclub reported hearing 2-3 gunshots before chaos ensued, with people ducking for cover and fleeing the scene. The venue was known to operate until 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. for over six months, despite its lack of a license.
It was reported that the suspect, believed to be associated with law enforcement, has a well-known presence on social media, where he frequently posts videos of himself at shooting ranges. The suspect, identified as a member of the Hua Hin Police Station’s Police Advisory Committee, has since turned himself in.
In response, the Police Commissioner of Region 7 has ordered a thorough investigation, the closure of the nightclub for five years, and legal action against the club owner. The incident has also raised public concerns regarding the Hua Hin District Administration and local police for allowing the unlicensed nightclub to operate for an extended period and for the suspect to carry a firearm into the establishment despite the presence of security at the entrance.
Author: Editorial Staff
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