Central Thailand: Teenager’s firearm malfunction leads to near-fatal confrontation with coconut gatherer

A near-fatal incident occurred when an armed teenager confronted a coconut gatherer, only to have his firearm malfunction, sparing the victim‘s life.

The incident was caught on video and shared on social media by a local shop owner. The victim and witnesses have reported the incident to the local police, but claim that the authorities have shown little interest, leading to public discontent.

A 24 year old shop owner, who goes by the pseudonym A, from Ban Rai, Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi, yesterday shared a video of the confrontation.

The video showed a group of teenagers on motorcycles blocking the path of the 23 year old victim, (pseudonym Cha) who had just arrived to pick up workers for a coconut gathering. One of the teenagers, identified as Games, approached Cha, and shouted at him.

“Why are you looking at me?”

Then Games attempted to pull out a gun. Cha, sensing danger, stepped out of his car. Games continued to approach him and tried to fire his gun from a short distance of only 5 metres. Fortunately, the gun did not fire, and Cha was able to escape and hide behind a washing machine.

Firearm

Games’ gang then attempted to harm Cha’s father, who was also present at the scene. He quickly grabbed a coconut knife to protect his son. Games continued to brandish his firearm, threatening those present before fleeing with his gang.

A and Cha reported the incident to the Damnoen Saduak Police Station but were met with indifference from the officers.

“Did the suspect shoot anyone?”

“Was it a real gun or a toy?”

The questions left them feeling disheartened, especially as they had risked their lives to capture the evidence on video.

According to residents, Games had been involved in similar incidents before but there had been no progress in the case. Cha revealed that about a month ago, he had a heated argument with Games, who accused him of intentionally looking for trouble.

Threats

Despite not knowing Games or having any previous issues with him, Cha received threats from Games who told him to “watch his back,” reported KhaoSod.

Later, Games called Cha through a mutual friend, claiming he had mistaken him for someone else. Cha chose to let the matter pass until the recent incident where he was shot at. He considers himself lucky to have survived, attributing his good fortune to a blessed coin from Luang Phor Ngern, Wat Don Yai Hom, Nakhon Pathom, which he wears around his neck.

Despite the threat to his life, Cha continues to work to support his family, including his 11 month old son. He urges the police to swiftly apprehend the perpetrator and promises to pursue the case to the fullest extent of the law.