Two men were killed another injured when gunfire broke out Christmas night in the heart of Pattaya’s tourist beer bar district.
Pradit Nanthasa, 23, was shot in the chest and face while Wuthipol Janprakhon, 27, was shot four times in the abdomen in two 5 a.m. Dec. 26 shootings on sois 7 and 8. Both men later died at Pattaya Memorial Hospital. Theerapol Nilthirat, 20, was grazed by bullet fragments, treated and released.
Witnesses said the incidents began when Wuthipol confronted an employee of the Tequila Reef restaurant named Om, who was drinking with friends outside the Silver Star 2 go-go bar on Soi 7. The two had argued earlier in the night and witnesses said Wuthipol opened fire, missing Om, but hitting two bystanders.
Manas Khempet, 23, said Wuthipol then ran out from Soi 7 with a gun, which he threw into shrubs on the beach. Members of the attacked group followed, shooting Wuthipol four times. He collapsed at the corner of Beach Road and Soi 8.
Police have not named Wuthipol’s assassin, but believe he is a fired Pattaya police officer who now manages criminal activity on Soi 7.
