A horrifying shooting at Bangkok’s well-known Or Tor Kor Market on July 28 has left six people dead and multiple others injured, shaking the local community to its core. The gunman, later identified as Noy, a 61-year-old former dried fruit vendor at the market, ultimately took his own life in front of his wife’s stall.
The Sequence of Events
According to police reports, Noy began the day by hijacking a taxi near SC Park on Praditmanutham Road, threatening the driver with a CZ 9mm handgun and forcing him to drive to Or Tor Kor Market in Chatuchak District. During the ride, he reportedly repeated his intent to “shoot the guards.”
Upon arrival around noon, Noy entered through Gate 1 of the market and immediately opened fire on three security guards, killing them on the spot. He then hunted down another guard with whom he had a longstanding feud dating back to 2019–2020, stemming from suspicions that the man had deliberately scratched his beloved car. That individual was also killed with six consecutive gunshots.
Continuing his rampage, Noy reloaded and fired at additional market personnel and vendors, fatally wounding a female vendor and injuring two others. Failing to locate his wife amidst the chaos, the suspect returned to her former stall and committed suicide by shooting himself in the temple.
Possible Motive
Bangkok Police Chief Major General Siam Boonsom confirmed that the motive appears to be rooted in personal grievances. Noy had long believed that security guards harbored resentment toward him and had vandalized his car. Despite previous complaints and a review of CCTV footage confirming vehicle damage, the market management found no definitive proof of who was responsible.
His legal personal firearm contained 10 rounds; one bullet remained unfired. Authorities ruled out terrorism or national security concerns in the case. Market vendors and witnesses expressed disbelief. One dried fish vendor recalled: “He used to shop here and was always polite. None of us imagined he was capable of something like this.”
Another witness described the panic: “He walked in calmly, dressed in black with a cap and backpack, holding a gun. After the first shots, people just scattered in fear.” Due to the gravity of the incident, Or Tor Kor Market management has temporarily closed operations on July 29 to allow police to continue their investigation, gather evidence, and provide support to victims and traumatized vendors.
K14
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