Chilling Video Shows Gunman Stalking Market Before Killing Spree

A tranquil afternoon at one of Bangkok’s busiest markets turned into a blood-soaked nightmare Monday when a lone gunman opened fire, killing five people and wounding two others in broad daylight — just steps away from a top tourist destination.

Disturbing surveillance footage shows the shooter, dressed in a casual t-shirt and shorts, casually strolling through a parking lot with a pistol in hand. Strapped across his chest was a bulging backpack — later believed to be filled with ammunition. Moments later, he unleashed chaos at the Or Tor Kor wet market, located near the popular Chatuchak Weekend Market.

“He looked calm, too calm,” said one witness who ran for cover behind a stall of durian fruit. “I thought he was just some lost tourist until the shots started. Then people were screaming and diving for their lives.”

A Deadly Ambush

The rampage began just after 12:30 p.m. local time. Within minutes, four private security guards and a market merchant were gunned down execution-style. Two female bystanders were also wounded in the chaos, but authorities say no foreign tourists were harmed.

“All five deceased were shot at close range,” confirmed Bangkok Metropolitan Police Chief Siam Bunsom in a press briefing Monday evening. “We believe the suspect may have had military training or prior weapons experience.”

After the massacre, the shooter turned the weapon on himself. Authorities say he died instantly.

The Motive Remains a Mystery

While the identity of the shooter has not yet been released, Thai officials are urgently investigating possible motives — including personal revenge, mental illness, or a workplace grudge. Early reports suggest the shooter may have worked at the market in the past.

“There is no evidence of terrorism or political extremism at this point,” Police Lt. Gen. Kittipong Yotchaidech told reporters. “But we are not ruling anything out.”

Investigators are now combing through CCTV footage, interviewing dozens of market workers, and tracing the origin of the firearm.

Grief and Shock

Scenes of grief unfolded in the aftermath. Vendors embraced each other in tears. Blood stained the pavement between rows of fresh produce and meat stalls. Emergency crews sealed off the area as forensic teams examined shell casings and bullet holes scattered across the market.

“It happened so fast,” said Pimwara Lekchareon, a flower vendor just two stalls away. “We always hear about these things in other countries. I never imagined it could happen here.”

Thailand has strict gun laws, but the country has seen a troubling uptick in gun violence in recent years — including a daycare massacre in 2022 and a shopping mall shooting in 2023.

A Nation on Edge

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin condemned the attack as “senseless” and “deeply horrifying,” promising a full investigation and a crackdown on illegal firearms.

“This tragedy must not be allowed to happen again,” he said in a televised address.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect’s background to come forward as investigators piece together what led to one of Bangkok’s deadliest shootings in recent memory.