Bangkok Or Tor Kor Market Shooting: Five Killed by Gunman in Personal Vendetta

The rhythmic bustle of Bangkok’s famed Or Tor Kor Market shattered at 12:31 p.m. on July 28, 2025, when a lone gunman opened fire in a calculated rampage. By the time the echoes faded, five lives—four security guards and a fruit vendor—were extinguished, leaving a nation grappling with grief and unanswered questions. The Bangkok shooting, captured in viral social media footage, exposed a personal vendetta years in the making, reigniting urgent debates about Thailand’s gun control laws and public safety.

The Or Tor Kor Market Tragedy

Located near Chatuchak Market, a tourist hotspot, Or Tor Kor is renowned for fresh produce and vibrant energy. Witnesses described chaos as the attacker, later identified as 61-year-old “Mr. Noi,” moved methodically through stalls. Dressed in a black T-shirt, camouflage shorts, and a baseball cap, he targeted security personnel first before turning his weapon on bystanders. As captured in a tweet by @ferozwala, the scene unfolded rapidly: “Man, 61, kills five before shooting himself dead at #Bangkok market.” Police confirmed Mr. Noi died by suicide on a market bench minutes later. Two others sustained injuries but survived. Initial reports from Thai Enquirer noted the victims included long-serving guards and a vendor, underscoring the attack’s intimate brutality within a close-knit community.

Who Was the Shooter Mr. Noi?

Mr. Noi, whose full name remains undisclosed, was no stranger to Or Tor Kor. Police revealed he worked there previously as a security guard but left under unclear circumstances. His wife still operates a food stall at the market, a detail that amplified the tragedy’s personal dimensions. Authorities described him as “temperamental” and obsessively protective of his belongings, particularly his car. Despite his violent outburst on July 28, he had no criminal record. Colleagues recalled his familiarity with the market’s layout, suggesting meticulous planning. As one investigator stated, “He was a person who loved his car intensely—and held grudges even more intensely.”

Motive: A Grudge Forged in a Scratch

The catalyst for the massacre traced back to 2019–2020, when Mr. Noi’s car was allegedly scratched by someone at Or Tor Kor. His wife told police he never moved past the incident, nurturing resentment toward security staff he blamed for inadequate protection. Thai Enquirer’s coverage emphasized this was “not politically motivated,” countering speculation about Thailand’s border tensions. Instead, it reflected a festering personal grievance. Psychologists consulted by authorities highlighted how perceived slights can escalate dangerously among individuals with obsessive traits—yet no interventions occurred before the shooting.

The Or Tor Kor massacre forces Thailand to confront uncomfortable truths: unchecked grudges and accessible firearms can combust into public tragedy. As families mourn and policymakers debate reforms, this Bangkok shooting underscores the human cost of unresolved anger and lax safeguards. Demand accountability—push for change before another community is shattered.

Must Know

Q: What happened at Or Tor Kor Market on July 28, 2025?
A: A 61-year-old gunman, Mr. Noi, shot five people dead (four security guards, one vendor) before killing himself. Two others were injured in the Bangkok market attack.

Q: Who was Mr. Noi?
A: A former Or Tor Kor security guard with a history of temper issues. His wife worked at the market, and he held a years-long grudge over his scratched car.

Q: Was the shooting linked to terrorism or politics?
A: No. Police confirmed the Bangkok shooting stemmed purely from Mr. Noi’s personal vendetta, unrelated to broader conflicts.

Q: How common are shootings in Thailand?
A: While rare in markets, Thailand has one of Asia’s highest gun ownership rates. This incident has sparked calls for stricter controls, per 2025 government data.

Q: What’s being done for victims’ families?
A: Thailand’s Ministry of Justice is providing compensation, and market administrators have launched a mental health fund for affected staff.