A 17-year-old boy was fatally shot early Saturday morning in what police describe as a road rage incident fueled by a verbal taunt between rival groups of teenagers.
The victim, Anupong Thamabun, known by friends as “Ta,” was pronounced dead at Pattaya Memorial Hospital shortly after 5:16 a.m. from a single gunshot wound that pierced his ribcage and struck a major artery near his heart.
According to witnesses, the shooting occurred along Pong–Khao Mai Kaew Road after a group of teenagers on motorcycles exchanged insults. A 13-year-old companion of the victim, identified only as “M,” told reporters that the confrontation began when riders from another group shouted random insults as they passed by.
“M” said he and other younger boys went to inform two older friends — Anupong and Ratchat Phetleela, 17, nicknamed “Ae” — who decided to follow the group “just to talk.” As they approached the suspects, one of the riders reportedly drew what appeared to be a pen gun and fired a single round into Anupong’s back without warning.
“He didn’t say anything — just pulled the gun and shot,” the 13-year-old recounted. “We never had any conflict with them before. We just wanted to clear things up.”
Friends rushed Anupong to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries en route.
Police at Nong Prue Police Station have since launched a manhunt for the gunman and his accomplices. Investigators are reviewing mobile phone footage allegedly showing the suspects returning to the scene shortly after the shooting.
Authorities believe the incident was linked to teenage gang rivalry, though they emphasized that the fatal shot appeared unprovoked.
The killing has shocked residents and reignited concerns about youth violence and illegal firearms in Pattaya. The tragedy comes just two days after another violent road rage attack involving a foreign national in South Pattaya.