Chaiyaphum: A shop dispute at the Chao Pho Phaya Lae Festival and Red Cross Fair in Chaiyaphum escalated to violence when the owner of an ear piercing shop was shot in the eye, resulting in a fractured socket. The incident occurred when a vendor selling toy guns, upset by a noise complaint, shot the piercing shop owner with an air gun loaded with steel pellets.
According to Thai News Agency, the altercation began when Mr. Piyawat, the ear piercing shop owner, requested that Mr. Ekkarach, the toy gun vendor, lower the volume of his music. This request led to a verbal confrontation, as the two vendors had previous disagreements over similar issues. The argument turned physical, resulting in Mr. Ekkarach sustaining a nosebleed. In retaliation, he retrieved a BB gun and fired multiple shots at Mr. Piyawat, striking him in the left eyebrow while he was working with a customer.
A video shared on social media captured the moment of the attack, showing the severe injuries sustained by Mr. Piyawat, who bled profusely from his eye socket. The incident took place around 10:00 AM near the Chao Phraya Lae Monument roundabout during the festival held on January 16, 2026. Chaiyaphum City Police have since investigated the scene, gathering evidence from CCTV footage.
Ms. Nungrutai, the victim's wife, recounted the events, explaining that the loud music from the opposing shop prompted her husband's repeated requests for it to be turned down. Despite his protests, the situation escalated, leading to the violent encounter where Mr. Ekkarach fired at her husband. She described the incident as terrifying, highlighting the unexpected violence that erupted at the festival.