NONTHABURI, Thailand – A 36-year-old man died after a gunshot incident at a shooting range in Bang Bua Thong on Aug. 18, prompting authorities to order the facility to close for 30 days while safety measures are reviewed. The incident occurred at about 11:20 a.m. at a shooting range on Kanchanaphisek Road in Bang Bua Thong district. Pol. Col. Thassakorn Konthong, superintendent of Bang Bua Thong Police Station, and officers, together with Ruam Katanyu Foundation volunteers and forensic medical personnel, rushed to the scene.
Police found the body of the 36-year-old Nonthaburi resident lying inside the shooting range. He was wearing a white T-shirt, jeans and slip-on shoes and had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. A Glock 43X handgun was found nearby. The victim’s family arrived at the scene and provided information to police. Forensic officers also examined the area and collected evidence as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.
Later in the day, Deputy Interior Minister Jedesert Thaiseth and Nonthaburi Deputy Governor Apichai Aramsri visited the shooting range to inspect its operating licence, safety procedures and access controls. Jedesert said an initial inspection found that the range’s operating license and the firearm involved were in order. However, authorities would conduct a more intensive review following the incident.
He said current rules governing access to shooting ranges vary between facilities, with no specific nationwide requirements yet covering how customers should be screened before using a range. The government is expected to introduce additional regulations to strengthen controls. According to the deputy minister, the man had rented the firearm from the range and had spent a relatively long time practicing. He later attempted to take the firearm away from the designated shooting area despite being stopped by range staff.
The man had obtained one box of ammunition but had not fired all of it when the incident occurred.
Authorities said the man was reportedly believed by relatives to have a psychiatric condition, although police found no previous treatment record during their initial checks. The family said it did not dispute the circumstances of his death. Jedesert said new regulations covering both government and privately operated shooting ranges are expected to establish clearer rules for range use, safety measures and supervision. The framework is expected to take about 60 days to develop.
He also ordered the Bang Bua Thong shooting range to suspend operations for 30 days to allow authorities to conduct a comprehensive safety inspection. Nonthaburi has two shooting ranges, in Bang Bua Thong and Sai Noi. Apichai said both facilities would be reviewed, with the inspection of the Bang Bua Thong range expected to take about 15 to 30 days. Authorities are also pushing for stronger safety measures at schools, government facilities and other locations frequented by large numbers of people.
