Chanthaburi, Thailand – A months-long dispute on Facebook culminated in a deadly shooting in Chanthaburi on the night of 23 October 2025, when a 37-year-old man was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head.
Shooting at residential street
Police and forensic teams were called to the entrance of Wang Pla Soi 9 in Tha Chang, Mueang Chanthaburi at about 23:40, where they discovered the body of Adisak Photthong lying in the street with a gunshot wound to his left temple. Two vehicles were at the scene: a Toyota Altis registered to the suspected shooter and a Mitsubishi Triton pickup belonging to the victim. Authorities seized a Glock 19 pistol and detained a 40-year-old neighbour, identified as Thawaichai, who surrendered without resistance.
Online feud that escalated
Investigators said the confrontation followed a personal conflict between the two men that reportedly stretched over more than six months. According to early police interviews, the row stemmed from allegations made by the victim that the suspect had been involved with his ex-wife. The victim had repeatedly posted insulting and provocative messages on Facebook, police said, and his final public post in a group named the suspect and challenged him to meet in person.
Suspect’s account of events
Thawaichai told officers he went to the street that night “to clear things up.” He said the discussion quickly turned violent and that the victim drew a long knife and tried to attack him. The suspect said he struck the victim in the face with the pistol in an act of self-defence and that a shot discharged accidentally, fatally wounding the 37-year-old.
“He said the gun went off by accident during the scuffle,” a police source said. Whether the death was an accident or an intentional killing is now the central question of the criminal inquiry.
Police investigation and evidence
The Mueang Chanthaburi police station secured the firearm as evidence and held the suspect in custody while conducting a comprehensive investigation. Forensic analysis, witness statements and the documented online exchanges between the men are being examined to establish the sequence of events and the credibility of the self-defence claim.
Broader concerns about online hostility
The case highlights growing concerns about how heated exchanges on social media can spill into real-world violence. Police said they were treating the matter as a serious homicide investigation while also tracing the months-long dispute that preceded the confrontation. Observers and community members may ask whether platforms and individuals can do more to prevent online hostility from escalating into tragedy.