Prachinburi Ice Cream Vendor Shot in Violent Dispute Over Selling Territory
PPRACHINBURI, Thailand — A long-standing dispute between two ice cream vendors over selling territory ended in violence Friday night when a 64-year-old man allegedly shot a rival vendor during a roadside chase. The incident, which took place around 8:30 p.m. on June 14, has left the local community shocked and prompted calls for better regulation of street vending zones.
The victim, Ms. Patanarin Chawlee-san, 49, was critically injured after being shot under her right armpit while riding her ice cream scooter near Kabin Chaloem Ratch Park in Muang Kao Subdistrict, Kabin Buri District. Surveillance and dashcam footage captured a bronze sedan tailing her vehicle before a gunshot rang out, causing her to lose control and crash into both the car and a roadside barrier. Witnesses reported seeing her fall from her vehicle moments later.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after receiving multiple reports of a shooting. Ms. Patanarin was rushed to Kabin Buri Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
Police quickly launched an investigation and, within hours, identified and apprehended the suspect, Mr. Sommai, a vendor from Bo Thong Subdistrict. The suspect’s car, which had visible collision damage, was found abandoned near his home.
During questioning, Mr. Sommai admitted to firing the shot but claimed it was not intended to kill. He told police that he had become enraged after repeated verbal altercations with Ms. Patanarin, who he said accused him of encroaching on her selling area. According to his statement, the two had been competing for customers in overlapping routes for some time, and the tension had escalated in recent weeks.
“I didn’t want to kill her. I just wanted to scare her because she kept threatening me,” Sommai reportedly told officers.
Police, however, were not convinced by his explanation and charged him with attempted murder, carrying a firearm in public, and unlawful discharge of a weapon. Officials stated that the suspect’s deliberate chase and use of a firearm constituted a serious threat to public safety.
The case has raised alarms among local authorities and residents, who say disputes between street vendors are not uncommon, though rarely this violent. “We’ve seen arguments before, but never anything like this,” said one nearby shopkeeper. “It’s tragic that something as small as a sales route could lead to gun violence.”
Authorities say they will be reviewing vendor permits and consider implementing clearer guidelines for vending zones to avoid further conflicts. Police are also reviewing additional CCTV footage and speaking with other local vendors to piece together the full history of the feud.
As of now, Mr. Sommai remains in police custody awaiting further legal proceedings, while Ms. Patanarin continues to fight for her life in hospital.
