A sergeant from the Thanarat Infantry Center in Pranburi was shot dead in a nightclub on Soi 80 in Hua Hin in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:00 AM on August 18, when Sergeant Major Rochnapan Rojchaphanich, 31, was shot multiple times inside an unlicensed nightclub, located about 50 meters from Phetkasem Road. The venue, known among night-time revelers, had been operating until 4-5 AM for over six months.
According to initial reports, the suspected shooter, Mr. Chain (alias), 34, is a special advisor to the Police Affairs Committee at Hua Hin Police Station. Mr. Chain reportedly used a 9mm firearm in the shooting, which also resulted in one other patron suffering a minor injury. Witnesses described hearing two to three gunshots before fleeing the establishment.
Police and rescue teams arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting. They discovered Sergeant Rojchaphanich’s body inside the pub, along with two 9mm shell casings. His family, including his wife, who traveled from Chonburi, arrived at the scene later, where they were visibly distraught.
The approximate location of the shooting on Soi 80. Google Maps screenshot
The victim’s uncle said that the incident might have been triggered by his nephew accidentally bumping into a woman, possibly accompanied by the suspect, which led to the suspect’s displeasure and subsequent shooting.
At 9:10 AM, Police Colonel Kittipong Chompoonuch, Deputy Commander of Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Police, led a team to examine the scene and conduct a preliminary autopsy. The victim sustained three gunshot wounds, with the body being transported to the Police General Hospital in Bangkok for further examination.
Mr. Chain surrendered to authorities at around 11:00 AM on Sunday, bringing with him the firearm allegedly used in the crime. During questioning, he admitted to the shooting, citing a confrontation with Sergeant Rojchaphanich as the motive. He has been charged under the Firearms Act and with murder. Mr. Chain was subsequently remanded to the Hua Hin Provincial Court.
The Hua Hin Police Station has announced Mr. Chain’s removal from his advisory role, effective August 18, and has vowed to take legal action against the nightclub for operating illegally.
People commenting on social media has raised questions about how the venue was allowed to operate without a license for over six months and why security measures were insufficient to prevent firearms from being brought inside.
The victim’s mother, a government official and school director in Pranburi, expressed her devastation at her son’s death. She described Hua Hin as a normally safe city and questioned how such an event could occur. She called for swift justice, expressing hope that no other family would have to endure such a tragedy.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to gather evidence and determine if any further charges will be filed.