Construction Dispute Sparks Deadly Shootout in Nakhon Pathom
A construction payment dispute triggered a deadly shootout between two groups in Nakhon Pathom, leaving one man dead and four suspects arrested. Police seized multiple firearms including a shotgun and a Glock pistol with dozens of rounds. All suspects face murder and attempted murder charges as authorities investigate the violent confrontation that erupted from a 190,000 baht bathroom renovation contract.
Police are maintaining tight security while detaining the 'Black Ant Bang Khae' gang, who claim self-defense. The wife of suspect Sombat has disclosed details of the gunfight with 'Jim Karadang Ngathong,' which originated from a construction subcontract dispute with the intent to settle matters conclusively.
At 9:30 AM on October 21, 2026, at Kamphaeng Saen Police Station in Nakhon Pathom, prison transport vehicles were positioned outside the station. Relatives from both sides had not yet arrived by morning. Reports indicate the four suspects showed no signs of stress overnight and made no demands.
On the side of Prasert 'Jim' Karadang Ngathong, four people were involved: one killed, one arrested — Phongthep Pansee-kaew, 46, driver of a white Toyota Hilux Revo (license plate 9KorSor 202 Bangkok) with multiple gunshot wounds. Police seized a Mossberg shotgun with six rounds, which the suspect initially claimed belonged to the injured party. Two others fled (names unknown); arrest warrants have been issued for attempted murder.
The opposing group comprises Sukswasdi 'Mod Dam' Thapmanoch, 42, driver; Phansak Khuan-khuai, 45, lawyer, seated front passenger; and Sombat Chaichomphu, 53, seated rear. All three were arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder. They were detained at Muang Nakhon Pathom Police Station, which set up a checkpoint on Malaiman Road in Nong Pak Long.
A white Toyota Fortuner with apparent bullet holes was found. Following a report of a shooting in Kamphaeng Saen jurisdiction, police seized a Glock 9mm pistol, four magazines, and 57 rounds of ammunition from the three suspects.
At 1:00 PM, police escorted all four suspects to Nakhon Pathom Provincial Court. Sombat and his two associates were transported separately in different vehicles, while the fourth suspect rode in a van, all under heavy police guard.
Phansak stated the opposing side fired first, and they shot in self-defense. Meanwhile, Sukswasdi 'Mod Dam' said he fled for his life.
Noodee, Sombat's wife, explained the dispute centered on a bathroom renovation contract for 190,000 baht. Materials cost 140,000 baht, profit 30,000 baht, leaving just over 10,000 baht for labor. She denied cheating them. The roofing was completed as agreed, but work was halted. The deceased rode to the site four to five days prior, summoned Sombat, accused him of cheating, and threatened to quit. Before the incident, Prasert's group harassed them at their resort, shouting insults, setting off loud firecrackers and thousands of fireworks, threatening to kill their entire family. Sombat only intended to meet and settle the construction dispute. Mod Dam was acquainted with their niece and also intended to resolve the matter.
