Chinese National Surrenders After Armed Pattaya Standoff
A dramatic scene unfolded early this morning in Pattaya as a 35-year-old Chinese national of Korean descent caused panic by entering a convenience store at the entrance of Soi Thepprasit 8 with a loaded firearm. The incident sparked a two-hour standoff with local authorities before the suspect peacefully surrendered.
The Pattaya City Police Station received the initial report of an armed foreigner inside the store, prompting a rapid response. Pol. Lt. Col. Siriwat Krachmas, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya City Police, alerted Pol. Col. Anek Srathongyoo, the station’s chief. A team of investigative officers and members of the Pattaya Tourist Police were dispatched immediately.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a chaotic scene. Concerned local vendors and residents had gathered outside the store, with many fleeing the area. Police swiftly cleared the surrounding area to ensure public safety and sealed off both the front and rear entrances of the store, preparing for a potential confrontation.
Inside the store, the suspect, later identified as Mr. Zhang Shuai, had barricaded himself at the back. An interpreter was brought in to help communicate with Zhang, as police attempted to de-escalate the tense situation. Authorities repeatedly assured him that they were there to assist.
After two hours of negotiation, Zhang emerged from the rear of the store with his hands raised. Officers quickly moved in and arrested him without incident. No injuries were reported.
Police recovered a modified Glock 19 blank gun from Zhang, which had been illegally adapted to fire live .380 mm rounds. The weapon was immediately seized for forensic analysis. According to store employees, Zhang entered the premises in a state of panic, claiming he was being pursued by another Chinese man intent on causing him harm. Witnesses said Zhang rushed toward the back of the store with the weapon in hand, while the supposed pursuer quickly fled the scene.
Fearing a violent altercation, employees ran from the store and contacted police, leading to the rapid response. No customers were reported inside the store at the time of the incident.
Pol. Col. Anek Srathongyoo was on-site to personally oversee the operation and ensure the safe detention of the suspect. Preliminary investigations have raised suspicions about a potential link between Zhang and regional call center scam operations, which have been under close scrutiny by Thai law enforcement.
Authorities have not confirmed Zhang’s motives, and his claim of being pursued remains under investigation. Police are currently interrogating him and plan to review CCTV footage, phone records, and any ties to criminal organizations or illegal operations.
Officials stated that further details will be disclosed to the media as the investigation progresses.
The incident has heightened concerns about public safety in tourist-heavy areas of Pattaya and raised questions about how modified firearms are being acquired and smuggled into the country. Thai authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on illegal weapons and organized crime to ensure the safety of both locals and tourists.
