Gaybutton

If the bars really will have to stop serving alcohol at 2am, then what is the point of remaining open until 4am?  Between 2am and 4am what are they expecting the bars to sell?  Coca Cola, cups of tea, and Shirley Temples?  After 2am, what would attract customers?  I rarely even drink, but I would have zero interest in going to a bar where they can't sell alcohol.  Go for what?
For some strange reason, no alcohol after 2am seems just a wee bit on the absurd side to me.  We're talking about bars.  Selling alcohol is what bars are in business to do.  I don't know what those behind no alcohol after 2am are talking about.  That idea alone is already on my "I Don't Get It" list.
If the bars will be permitted to remain open until 4am, then let them sell alcohol until 4am.  Otherwise it makes no sense and they might as well make the bars close at 2am, which without being able to sell alcohol, most would do anyway.
Let's offer the fun and then spoil it before anything even happens.  Way to go!

That statement gets a "Huh?  What?"  from me.  Since when is it only underage university students who try to get into the bars?  Underage kids are caught in Pattaya nearly all the time when Thai bars get raided - and probably zero of them are university students.  If they are serious about keeping underage kids out of bars, then they're going to have to do much more than merely assume it's university students they need to be concerned about.  And especially on weekends and holidays, a lot of university students do go to Pattaya.
So, Mr. Damrongkiat, to put it mildly - I take exception to your statement . . .

We can't be sure yet whether alcohol sales will be prohibited after 2am in Bangkok or Pattaya.  That news says "depending on area".  In Pattaya it's anybody's guess what the local powers-that-be will do if Pattaya is in the area allowed to sell alcohol up to 4am.
It does indeed seem absurd to allow bars to remain open until 4am, but can't sell alcohol after 2am.  I guess those who want to stay until 4am would have to buy a bottle just before 2am cut-off time, which means they are likely to drink much more than they would if the bars could sell alcohol up to 4am . . .
Just another example of Thailand coming up with what may be a very good idea, but then imposing moronic rules to ruin it - if that's really what they're going to do.
Here's the latest:
Currently Legal Nightlife Zones in Pattaya to Test 4 AM Bar Closings from December 15th
By Tanakorn Panyadee
6 November, 2023
Legal entertainment zones in Pattaya will get to pioneer 4 AM bar closings after it is implemented on December 15th by the Thai government, revealed Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches.
Mr. Poramase announced on Saturday, November 4th, that entertainment venues within the currently designated legal nightlife zones in Pattaya will be able to test the extended operating hours for nightlife until 4 AM immediately after it becomes official. However, those outside the zones must await decisions made in future meetings involving all relevant agencies, he added.
Chonburi, the home of Pattaya, is one of the four provinces, including Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok, that get to pioneer the extended closing time for nighttime businesses, as announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin last week.
Currently, the legal zones in Pattaya cover the east side of Third Road, Walking Street, and LK Metro area. However, many entertainment venues have sprung up in Jomtien, Naklua, and the so-called “dark side” as well, despite technically being illegal due to outdated zoning restrictions over 20-years-old.
This has spurred proactive efforts from business operators and officials to expand these zoning boundaries. Pattaya City Council member Damrongkiat Pinitkan last year proposed a revision during a council meeting, highlighting the outdated nature of the current zones, which were established two decades ago and no longer align with the city’s evolving landscape.
In response, Mayor Poramase had directed relevant parties to formally petition the Ministry of Interior, while acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue.
For now, those outside the entertainment zones will continue to have to close at the currently legal time, which is from midnight to 2 AM depending on area.
The Pattaya News notes that an interesting wrench was thrown into these plans when Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said over the weekend that although entertainment venues would be allowed to close later, they would not be allowed to sell alcohol later. Whether this is enforced or if business owners will force a change by complaining to the government is yet to be seen.
https://thepattayanews.com/2023/11/06/currently-legal-nightlife-zones-in-pattaya-to-test-4-am-bar-closings-from-december-15th/
___________________________
Nighttime venues upbeat
by Mongkol Bangprapa, Penchan Charoensuthipan, Panumet Tanraksa and Achadthaya Chuenniran
November 5, 2023
Businesses have welcomed the government's decision to extend opening hours for nightspots to 4am in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Phuket from Dec 15.
They also want the government to assign clear zoning for entertainment venues and measures to ensure tourism safety.
On Friday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Interior Minister Anutin Charvirakul discussed extending nightlife opening hours for a trial period with the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Royal Thai Police and the four provincial governors.
The measure will first be implemented in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Phuket to boost tourism and is expected to take effect from Dec 15. Mr Srettha said state agencies will consider how many months is suitable for the trial.
The extension will be temporary for the moment, and discussions about a change of zoning will be held in the future.
He said the government intends to spur the economy and tourism domestically. The plan will also help generate more income for businesses in the tourism sector, including restaurants and entertainment venues.
He pointed out that some foreigners do not have similar dining habits as Thais. Some dine around 9pm-10pm. If opening hours are limited to midnight or 2am, customers might have to dine earlier, and that decreases the amount of food they order.
Mr Srettha also said extending opening hours to 4am is workable, after having spoken with security agencies. He added the Interior Ministry will look into zoning and licences and police will try to ensure people's safety and increase illicit drug suppression.
Mr Anutin said the Interior Ministry will propose a law allowing provincial governors to announce the zoning and operating hours of night entertainment venues.
Move welcomed
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said new zoning for nightlife venues in Bangkok cannot be assigned before Dec 15.
However, the extension of opening hours can be applied to more than 200 entertainment venues in the premises of hotels as well as existing zones -- RCA on Phetchaburi Road, Silom Road and Ratchadaphisek Road.
He added that CCTV cameras will also be used to ensure the safety of tourists while police will be asked to check tourists for drugs and conduct breathalyser tests.
Thanit Chumsaeng, president of the Chiang Mai Restaurant and Entertainment Venue Association, agreed with the government's decision, saying the government should also assign clear zoning for entertainment venues so nightlife businesses do not disturb nearby communities.
He said the Interior Ministry is expected to issue an announcement which will authorise provincial governors in major tourism cities to enforce the extension of opening hours and oversee entertainment venues.
Mr Thanit said Chiang Mai's urban landscape keeps changing and its current zoning for entertainment venues may have to be revised accordingly.
He said the extension of the opening hours should apply to downtown areas, such as in the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road, which is already a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
While longer hours will benefit numerous nightlife venues in such areas, operators will also have to shoulder higher electricity bills, and wages for workers and other costs, which will increase by 10-20%, he said.
It is up to each operator to weigh these pros and cons before deciding whether to open until 4am, as some nightlife venues are more popular than others, Mr Thanit said.
As for entertainment venues located outside zoning in Chiang Mai, they should be allowed to open until 2am.
They include those along the Nimmanhaemin Road, Asadathorn Road, and Santitham Road. Their customers are mostly locals and students, he said, adding that nightlife venues should be located far away from schools, universities, and temples.
He went on to say that the government should also waive excise tax for entertainment venues that open after midnight as they already have to pay liquor tax and cigarette tax.
This measure will help operators who support the government's campaign to promote tourism, he said.
According to Chiang Mai's local authorities, more than 10,000 entertainment venues have licences to operate and 70-80% of them are located in downtown areas, with more than 80,000 workers employed that would generate about 20 billion baht.
Tourists' Safety
Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, said business operators in Phuket previously proposed an extension of the operating hours of entertainment venues until 4am when the prime minister visited the island province in August.
He said allowing these venues to open until 4am will increase tourism revenue by about 30%.
Mr Thaneth said business operators in Phuket suggested that clear zoning be designated for entertainment venues to avoid disturbing the nearby communities and safety regulations be put in place to prevent any unwanted incidents during the later hours.
Authorities must estimate how much security personnel is needed to ensure safety for tourists and they should also consider increasing CCTV cameras along the street, or setting more security checkpoints to detect drink-driving motorists.
Problems such as quarrels, drug abuse, and drunk driving should be regulated through stricter law enforcement to assure minimal consequences from the extended hours, he said.
He said the extension should be trialled on Bangla Road in Kathu district where several nightlife venues operate.
Damrongkiat Pinitkarn, secretary to the Entertainment & Tourism Association of Pattaya City, said Pattaya is a popular tourist destination and is ready for the extension of operating hours.
''Operators here promotes nightlife tourism activities. Tourists dine at around 6pm and chill out at the Walking Street in Pattaya before entering night entertainment venues at around 11pm.
''The current closing hour at 2am is too early as operators do their business for only a few hours and the fun for tourists also ends too soon,'' he said.
He also agreed with stricter law enforcement to curb problems such as drink-driving and prevent underage youngsters from entering nightlife venues.
''Pattaya has another advantage as there are no universities nearby so there is no problem involving underage students patronising pubs,'' Mr Damrongkiat said.
With opening hours extended until 4am, each entertainment venue in Pattaya is expected to see their income increase by 60,000-70,000 baht per night, he said.
Registration of more pubs
Sanga Ruengwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Businesses Association, also supports the extension, saying the government should also allow more entertainment venues to apply for registration legally.
''Over the past 10 years, no new entertainment venues have been registered legally. Several operators have to offer money under-the table [to authorities] so they can operate their businesses,'' Mr Sanga said.
''For those legally licenced to operate, authorities can easily inspect them to ensure they comply with safety standards, while unlicensed venues are not subject to inspection, which can pose safety risks to patrons,'' he said.
Mr Sanga said licensed entertainment venues must meet certain criteria, including having fire exits or emergency exits, and first aid kits.
"Several shophouses have been modified into entertainment venues without proper safety measures in cases of emergency,'' he said.
''The government must lay down clear regulations to prevent those who fail to meet requirements for operating nightlife venues until 4am,'' he said.
However, Ratchaporn Poonsawat, president of the Koh Samui Tourism Association, complained that Koh Samui of Surat Thani is not among the provinces where the extension of opening hours for entertainment venues is taking effect.
He said business operators here already discussed an extension of opening hours with the previous government.
He said Koh Samui does not cover a large area so it is easy to designate zoning for entertainment venues, while police are also ready to ensure the safety of tourists. He added he wondered why Koh Samui hadn't been considered for the extension.
Opposing the move
Chuwit Jantaros, coordinator of the Anti-Alcohol Network, refuted claims by business operators that the extension is in response to foreign tourists' demands.
A study shows that before Covid, up to 80% of foreign tourists visited Thailand to visit natural and cultural attractions and see local ways of life.
''The claims are unfounded. I don't believe the extension will spur the economy,'' Mr Chuwit said, adding that drinking alcohol is what is to blame for more accidents and crime.
Thatchawut Jadbandit, a researcher at the Academic Centre For Road Safety, said the benefit of the extension may be not worth the risk. Citing some data from the Department of Disease Control from January until August, he said the number of deaths and injuries as a result of drink-driving stood at 50,164.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2678276/nighttime-venues-upbeat

Where are you getting that from?  I have seen nothing to indicate Pattaya won't be included.
I agree with the others that can stay open until 4am does not mean will stay open until 4am.  If there are enough customers,m then they'll stay open.  I doubt the gay bar scene will have enough customers.  It's the bars that cater to young Thais that I expect will stay open.  Not necessarily every day.  My guess is the ones that stay open until 4am are more likely to do so on weekends and holidays.  So be especially cautious about where you will be staying and try not to stay anywhere near bars that likely will remain open until 4am, unless loud bar music lullabys you to sleep . . .
If the bars that do stay open until 4am are still going strong at that hour, I think just as many as do so now will violate the law and stay open beyond legal hours.  I'm sure for the first few weeks they'll be heavily scrutinized.  Then, just like nearly everything else, that will fizzle out and they'll stay open.
I wonder how that works technically.  Are there any regulations controlling what time bars can open?  I have no idea. If there are none, then theoretically the bars can close at 4am and reopen at 4:01.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Where are you getting that from?  I have seen nothing to indicate Pattaya won't be included.
I agree with the others that can stay open until 4am does not mean will stay open until 4am.  If there are enough customers,m then they'll stay open.  I doubt the gay bar scene will have enough customers.  It's the bars that cater to young Thais that I expect will stay open.  Not necessarily every day.  My guess is the ones that stay open until 4am are more likely to do so on weekends and holidays.  So be especially cautious about where you will be staying and try not to stay anywhere near bars that likely will remain open until 4am, unless loud bar music lullabys you to sleep . . .
If the bars that do stay open until 4am are still going strong at that hour, I think just as many as do so now will violate the law and stay open beyond legal hours.  I'm sure for the first few weeks they'll be heavily scrutinized.  Then, just like nearly everything else, that will fizzle out and they'll stay open.
I wonder how that works technically.  Are there any regulations controlling what time bars can open?  I have no idea. If there are none, then theoretically the bars can close at 4am and reopen at 4:01.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Where are you getting that from?  I have seen nothing to indicate Pattaya won't be included.
I agree with the others that can stay open until 4am does not mean will stay open until 4am.  If there are enough customers,m then they'll stay open.  I doubt the gay bar scene will have enough customers.  It's the bars that cater to young Thais that I expect will stay open.  Not necessarily every day.  My guess is the ones that stay open until 4am are more likely to do so on weekends and holidays.  So be especially cautious about where you will be staying and try not to stay anywhere near bars that likely will remain open until 4am, unless loud bar music lullabys you to sleep . . .
If the bars that do stay open until 4am are still going strong at that hour, I think just as many as do so now will violate the law and stay open beyond legal hours.  I'm sure for the first few weeks they'll be heavily scrutinized.  Then, just like nearly everything else, that will fizzle out and they'll stay open.
I wonder how that works technically.  Are there any regulations controlling what time bars can open?  I have no idea. If there are none, then theoretically the bars can close at 4am and reopen at 4:01.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Rescued "Wild Boars" Footballer Dies in UK
February 15, 2023
Luang cave survivor Duangphet “Dom” Phromthep, the captain of the Wild Boars football team, has died suddenly in England.
One of the young "Wild Boars" footballers rescued from flooded Luang Cave in Chiang Rai in 2018 has died suddenly in England.
The death of teenager Duangphet “Dom’’ Phromthep came as a shock to his family and friends.
The cause of death was unclear. Unconfirmed reports in British media said he sustained a head injury. He had signed up for the Brooke House College Football Academy in Leicester, England, last year. 
Social media was inundated with messages of grief and condolence when the news broke on Wednesday.
The Zico Foundation posted a message and a photo of Duangphet, or Nong Dom, who had received a football scholarship from the foundation.
Phra Khu Prayut Jetiyanukarn, abbot of Wat Phra That Doi Wao in Chiang Rai, said Duangphet’s mother phoned him around 6am and said that her son had died. 
The abbot said initial reports were that there was an accident, a fall, and Duangphet was injured. He was admitted to hospital and put on a ventilator but later died. 
The family was in touch with the Foreign Affairs Ministry and details would be announced later.
Relatives in tambon Wiang Phang Kham told reporters they were informed the boy had been injured in an accident that led to his death. Details would be given out by the boy’s football club in England, they said.
Duangphet was the captain of the Wild Boars football team whose rescue from a flooded cave captured the attention of the world in 2018. He won a scholarship to study at the football academy in Leicestershire.
Duangphet posted a message on his Instagram account after receiving the scholarship. "Today, my dream has come true because I will become a football student in England,'' he said.
Between June and July 2018, Thai and international rescue teams scoured flooded Luang cave in Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district to find 12 "Wild Boar" footballers aged between 11 and 16 and their 25-year-old assistant coach, who went to explore the underground complex on June 23 after football practice.
They were trapped inside by a sudden storm and flood for 17 days before being finally found by two British divers. A complex and dangerous rescue followed. One rescuer died in the flooded cave.
The Zico Foundation posts a message of condolences and a photo of Duangphet "Dom" Phromthep on its Facebook page on Wednesday.
 
Duangphet was the first person to talk to the rescue team when he and his friends were trapped inside Luang cave in Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district between June and July 2018. 
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2507244/rescued-wild-boars-footballer-dies-in-uk
 
 

I hope it is worth a visit, but I'm wondering because on their Facebook page they have plenty of photos of the facility, but not even one photo of any boys, or any other humans for that matter.  If anyone goes, please let us know what is actually on offer there, along with the prices.
The Facebook page of the Nakkarat massage shows loads of photos of the staff, but it appears to me to be a "legitimate" massage shop - no other types of service available, but I have a feeling if you see a boy you like and make an arrangement for him to pay a little visit to your hotel during his non-working hours, he may have a pleasant surprise for you . . .
As for me, if I am in Korat and looking for a willing young gent, I'll be sticking to the apps and/or finding someone on my own.  Speaking only for myself, I doubt going to a spa in Korat will result in what I am most likely to be looking for.

I hope it is worth a visit, but I'm wondering because on their Facebook page they have plenty of photos of the facility, but not even one photo of any boys, or any other humans for that matter.  If anyone goes, please let us know what is actually on offer there, along with the prices.
The Facebook page of the Nakkarat massage shows loads of photos of the staff, but it appears to me to be a "legitimate" massage shop - no other types of service available, but I have a feeling if you see a boy you like and make an arrangement for him to pay a little visit to your hotel during his non-working hours, he may have a pleasant surprise for you . . .
As for me, if I am in Korat and looking for a willing young gent, I'll be sticking to the apps and/or finding someone on my own.  Speaking only for myself, I doubt going to a spa in Korat will result in what I am most likely to be looking for.

I hope it is worth a visit, but I'm wondering because on their Facebook page they have plenty of photos of the facility, but not even one photo of any boys, or any other humans for that matter.  If anyone goes, please let us know what is actually on offer there, along with the prices.
The Facebook page of the Nakkarat massage shows loads of photos of the staff, but it appears to me to be a "legitimate" massage shop - no other types of service available, but I have a feeling if you see a boy you like and make an arrangement for him to pay a little visit to your hotel during his non-working hours, he may have a pleasant surprise for you . . .
As for me, if I am in Korat and looking for a willing young gent, I'll be sticking to the apps and/or finding someone on my own.  Speaking only for myself, I doubt going to a spa in Korat will result in what I am most likely to be looking for.

If visiting him is what you're going to do, have him show you around.  If not, find a Korat boy on the apps and arrange the same thing with him.  The local boys always know the best places to go and you'll probably get to see and do things most farang, even those who go there as tourists, never see.
For sightseeing, it's been several years since I was last there, but i believe 2 or 3 days there is plenty.

If visiting him is what you're going to do, have him show you around.  If not, find a Korat boy on the apps and arrange the same thing with him.  The local boys always know the best places to go and you'll probably get to see and do things most farang, even those who go there as tourists, never see.
For sightseeing, it's been several years since I was last there, but i believe 2 or 3 days there is plenty.

If visiting him is what you're going to do, have him show you around.  If not, find a Korat boy on the apps and arrange the same thing with him.  The local boys always know the best places to go and you'll probably get to see and do things most farang, even those who go there as tourists, never see.
For sightseeing, it's been several years since I was last there, but i believe 2 or 3 days there is plenty.

If visiting him is what you're going to do, have him show you around.  If not, find a Korat boy on the apps and arrange the same thing with him.  The local boys always know the best places to go and you'll probably get to see and do things most farang, even those who go there as tourists, never see.
For sightseeing, it's been several years since I was last there, but i believe 2 or 3 days there is plenty.

If visiting him is what you're going to do, have him show you around.  If not, find a Korat boy on the apps and arrange the same thing with him.  The local boys always know the best places to go and you'll probably get to see and do things most farang, even those who go there as tourists, never see.
For sightseeing, it's been several years since I was last there, but i believe 2 or 3 days there is plenty.

"Yellow Bank" is Krungsri Bank, aka Bank of Ayudhya.
The Thai banks are all easily identifiable by their various color schemes.  For example, Kasikorn Bank, aka K-Bank, will be green.  Bangkok Bank is dark blue.  Siam Commercial Bank is purple with yellow lettering, etc.
However, "Yellow Bank" is the only bank often referred to by its logo color.  Nobody refers to the other banks by their logo color or color scheme.  They are simply referred to by their names. 
I have no idea how Krungsri came to be commonly referred to as "Yellow Bank", but there it is . . .

"Yellow Bank" is Krungsri Bank, aka Bank of Ayudhya.
The Thai banks are all easily identifiable by their various color schemes.  For example, Kasikorn Bank, aka K-Bank, will be green.  Bangkok Bank is dark blue.  Siam Commercial Bank is purple with yellow lettering, etc.
However, "Yellow Bank" is the only bank often referred to by its logo color.  Nobody refers to the other banks by their logo color or color scheme.  They are simply referred to by their names. 
I have no idea how Krungsri came to be commonly referred to as "Yellow Bank", but there it is . . .

"Yellow Bank" is Krungsri Bank, aka Bank of Ayudhya.
The Thai banks are all easily identifiable by their various color schemes.  For example, Kasikorn Bank, aka K-Bank, will be green.  Bangkok Bank is dark blue.  Siam Commercial Bank is purple with yellow lettering, etc.
However, "Yellow Bank" is the only bank often referred to by its logo color.  Nobody refers to the other banks by their logo color or color scheme.  They are simply referred to by their names. 
I have no idea how Krungsri came to be commonly referred to as "Yellow Bank", but there it is . . .

"Yellow Bank" is Krungsri Bank, aka Bank of Ayudhya.
The Thai banks are all easily identifiable by their various color schemes.  For example, Kasikorn Bank, aka K-Bank, will be green.  Bangkok Bank is dark blue.  Siam Commercial Bank is purple with yellow lettering, etc.
However, "Yellow Bank" is the only bank often referred to by its logo color.  Nobody refers to the other banks by their logo color or color scheme.  They are simply referred to by their names. 
I have no idea how Krungsri came to be commonly referred to as "Yellow Bank", but there it is . . .

And I hope scared shitless . . .

Maker of modified blank guns arrested as police crack down after mall shooting
by THE NATION
October 5, 2023
A former convict was arrested on Thursday at his Bangkok home where he used to make modified blank guns for use with real bullets, police said.
The 41-year-old suspect, identified only as Werayuth, is a resident of southern Phuket province.
A search of his home in Bangkok’s Thung Khru district yielded more than 40 pistol barrels and magazines to be used with blank guns so they could fire real bullets.
Police also found dozens of bullets and a small amount of “ice” crystalised methamphetamine and drug-smoking equipment.
The arrest was part of a police crackdown on modified blank guns following Tuesday’s mass shooting by a 14-year-old boy at a Bangkok luxury mall, which left two people dead and five others seriously injured. The teen suspect reportedly used a modified blank gun.
Assistant National Police chief Pol Lt-General Samran Nualma, who was among the officers conducting the search at the suspect’s house, said that the place was used to make blank guns fitted with pistol barrels and magazines so they could function like a real firearm.
“The Metropolitan Police would conduct further investigation to determine from where the suspected gun assembler got the components and who his customers were,” Samran said.
The officer also said that the suspect was among those arrested in connection with Tuesday’s mass shooting, along with two suspects from southern Yala province and another person from Bangkok’s Don Mueang area. They were being questioned at Bangkok’s Yannawa Police Station, he said.
Police interrogation of Werayuth, the suspect from Bangkok’s Thung Khru district, revealed that he had finished a vocational college in Phuket many years ago and initially worked as a mechanic.
His interest in BB air guns drew him into the hobby of modifying imitation guns so they could fire real bullets.
The suspect made about 30,000 baht per month from selling those guns, according to police. Part of his income was spent on buying narcotics, they said.
Werayuth had been arrested in 2015 for making illegal firearms and had served three years in prison. He was also jailed for possession of methamphetamine.
In the latest arrest on Thursday, the suspect was charged with possession and production of illegal firearms as well as having narcotic drugs with the intent to sell.
Story and photos:  https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40031646
 

And I hope scared shitless . . .

In my opinion the article shows the boy is definitely crazy, but not insane.  He knew exactly what he was doing and planned for it.  We don't know why he did it, but he did it.  Mental issues or not, that's just not enough an excuse.  I think he needs to one way or another be locked up and stay locked up for life.
________________________________________________________
3 arrested for selling blank gun, ammo to teen shooter
by Wassayos Ngamkham and Online Reporters
October 5, 2023
Three men were separately arrested in Yala and Bangkok for allegedly selling firearms, including a blank gun, and ammunition to a 14-year-old boy who went on a shooting rampage inside Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok on Tuesday afternoon. The incident left two foreign nationals dead and five others wounded.
A team of investigators from the Provincial Police Region 9 apprehended two of the three suspects at a house in tambon Sateng of Muang district in Yala at around 1am on Thursday.
Suwananhong Phramkhanajarn, 45, and his 22-year-old son Akkharawit Jaithong were wanted on arrest warrants issued by the Bangkok South Criminal Court for colluding in illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and selling firearms and ammunition without permission. 
Seized from the house were 209 rounds of ammunition for blank guns, 33 metal parts, two bank accounts, nine magazines and other items. The two men were being taken to Bangkok for questioning.
The third suspect, Piyabut Pianpithak, 30, was arrested in Bangkok.
The arrests came after Pol Lt Gen Thiti Saengsawang, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, ordered Yannawa police to gather evidence and seek court approval for issuing warrants against the three individuals involved in the illegal sale of firearms and ammunition.
A police investigation found that the 14-year-old boy contacted an online gun seller, expressing his interest in firearms, and they had online conversations. However, the suspect hesitated about obtaining a real gun due to the relatively high price.
He then placed an order for 9mm bullets a cost of 1,000 baht and transferred the money for the purchase. A few days later, he rreceived a parcel at his condominium room in Sathon district, which contained real bullets.
The teen subsequently ordered a modified blank gun, later used in the deadly shooting at the shopping mall.
The investigation also found that the suspect lacked sufficient funds to acquire the blank gun. He then borrowed money through an online money lending application and later transferred 16,000 baht to the seller, who later sent the gun to his condo.
During questioning, Mr Suwannahong and Mr Akkharawit denied all charges.  
A police source said the teenager had transferred the money to Mr Suwannahong’s bank account, and the man later withdrew the funds at an ATM booth at a petrol station in Yala.
It was revealed that Mr Akkharawit was running a Facebook page to sell firearms online. The page had been opened for about five months before being shut down around 10.20 pm on the day of the shooting rampage.
Mr Piyabut was involved as he sold and sent 9mm bullets to the teenager.
Chaos erupted at Siam Paragon on Rama 1 Road in Pathum Wan district close to peak hours on Tuesday, with hundreds fleeing as gunshots rang out. The dead were two women from China and Myanmar.
The teenager was arrested late on Tuesday shortly after the shooting spree.
Maj Gen Samran Nuanma said the suspect had modified a gun designed for firing blank rounds to enable it to use live ammunition.
The boy facing murder and other charges has been remanded to a juvenile detention centre where he will undergo a psychiatric assessment.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2658098/3-arrested-for-selling-blank-gun-ammunition-to-teen-shooter

Maker of modified blank guns arrested as police crack down after mall shooting
by THE NATION
October 5, 2023
A former convict was arrested on Thursday at his Bangkok home where he used to make modified blank guns for use with real bullets, police said.
The 41-year-old suspect, identified only as Werayuth, is a resident of southern Phuket province.
A search of his home in Bangkok’s Thung Khru district yielded more than 40 pistol barrels and magazines to be used with blank guns so they could fire real bullets.
Police also found dozens of bullets and a small amount of “ice” crystalised methamphetamine and drug-smoking equipment.
The arrest was part of a police crackdown on modified blank guns following Tuesday’s mass shooting by a 14-year-old boy at a Bangkok luxury mall, which left two people dead and five others seriously injured. The teen suspect reportedly used a modified blank gun.
Assistant National Police chief Pol Lt-General Samran Nualma, who was among the officers conducting the search at the suspect’s house, said that the place was used to make blank guns fitted with pistol barrels and magazines so they could function like a real firearm.
“The Metropolitan Police would conduct further investigation to determine from where the suspected gun assembler got the components and who his customers were,” Samran said.
The officer also said that the suspect was among those arrested in connection with Tuesday’s mass shooting, along with two suspects from southern Yala province and another person from Bangkok’s Don Mueang area. They were being questioned at Bangkok’s Yannawa Police Station, he said.
Police interrogation of Werayuth, the suspect from Bangkok’s Thung Khru district, revealed that he had finished a vocational college in Phuket many years ago and initially worked as a mechanic.
His interest in BB air guns drew him into the hobby of modifying imitation guns so they could fire real bullets.
The suspect made about 30,000 baht per month from selling those guns, according to police. Part of his income was spent on buying narcotics, they said.
Werayuth had been arrested in 2015 for making illegal firearms and had served three years in prison. He was also jailed for possession of methamphetamine.
In the latest arrest on Thursday, the suspect was charged with possession and production of illegal firearms as well as having narcotic drugs with the intent to sell.
Story and photos:  https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40031646
 

That question already has been answered in the media.  He actually bought it legally.  He bought it online,  a gun capable of firing only blanks, like a starter's gun - and it turns out that is perfectly legal.  But once he had it, he manged to find someone who was capable of modifying the gun so that it would shoot bullets.  If they can track down whoever modified it, that person deserves a very long prison sentence too.
That tells me, mental issues or not, he knew exactly what he was doing and planned it long before he actually carried out the shootings.  Whether he belongs in prison or in a mental institution is up to the courts, but whatever they decide, I hope it will be for the rest of his life. It is too dangerous to ever turn him loose again.
I don't think the death penalty should apply to someone his age, but if it were one of my friends or a member of my family who was killed, I'm not so sure I would feel the same way.  Of course he has mental issues.  Someone who would do such a thing, even at his age, definitely has serious problems.  But two people are now dead because of his problems.
Not only does security need to be tightened, but Thailand's gun laws need to be tightened too.  People all over Thailand are shocked by this incident.  Meanwhile incidents like this happen practically every day in the USA, to the point it is unusual if no such incidents happen on a particular day.  At least in Thailand, something like this incident is quite rare.