Ever thought that selling ice cream could spiral into violence? In the evening of June 14, 2025, what began as a pleasant night in Prachinburi’s Kabin Buri district quickly became a chilling scene straight out of a thriller. Around 8:30 PM, sounds of laughter near Kabin Chaloem Rat Park turned into the sound of gunfire—and a beloved ice cream vendor was left seriously injured. One competitor’s rivalry went way too far.
Scoop of Conflict – What Happened That Night?
Picture this: Pattanarint Chawaleesan, a 49-year-old local ice cream vendor, was parked by the park entrance, dishing out treats to families and joggers. Along came another vendor with the same brand—a recipe for tension. They swapped few heated words, and suddenly, the air filled not with children’s giggles but with gunfire. The male vendor pulled a gun and shot Pattanarint under her right armpit. Then he vanished into the night on his motorcycle, leaving her badly hurt.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Thirawat Yeamon and his team from Kabin Buri Station rushed in after the Sajjah Bhuddhatham Foundation alerted them. Shockwaves rippled through the community. Such a harmless scene—ice cream, park, summer evening—became a crime zone in seconds.
The Victim – A Community Treasure Under Trauma
Let’s talk about Pattanarint. She’s more than just a seller—she’s a local fixture. At 49, she’s been scooping joy and sweetness into the lives of locals for years. That evening, she sustained a severe gunshot wound that lodged a bullet under her armpit. Rescue staff raced her to Kabin Buri Hospital, where doctors treated her injuries. The whole province held its breath.
Police Hunt Underway – Who, What, Where?
Here’s the snapshot of the investigation:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Time of Incident | 8:30 PM, June 14, 2025 |
| Location | Suwannason Road entrance to Kabin Chaloem Rat Park |
| Victim | Pattanarint Chawaleesan, 49, ice cream vendor |
| Injury | Gunshot under right armpit, bullet still lodged |
| Suspect | Male rival vendor — fled on motorcycle post-shooting |
| Lead Officer | Pol. Col. Siwatchanat Khumsup from Kabin Buri Police |
| Current Status | Suspect remains at large; manhunt ongoing |
Police are combing the area, tracing CCTV, checking eyewitness accounts, and leashing a fast-growing tip line. As of now, the suspect is still slipping through—but authorities are determined.
Why So Heated Over Popsicles? A Rivalry Explained
It sounds absurd to think two ice cream vendors could come to blows—yet competition in local Thai markets can be fierce. Selling a popular brand in a prime spot means more customers and more key-money. So sometimes a spat over space or clientele spirals—like a spoonful of sugar suddenly sour.
Have you ever been stuck behind two food trucks vying for your order? That tension isn’t usually violent—but in this case, it escalated into tragedy. A seemingly innocent night of scoops and smiles turned deadly in a matter of minutes.
What Comes Next – Investigation, Arrests, and Justice
The next moves are clear:
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Tracking the suspect via CCTV, social media sightings, and witness tips.
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Forensic work on the bullet and crime scene.
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Interviews with park visitors, staff, and nearby residents.
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Weapon tracing through ballistic and firearm records.
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Legal follow-up once the suspect is caught — charges likely include attempted murder and illegal firearm use.
Police Colonel Siwatchanat and Lt. Col. Yeamon are urging the community to remain vigilant and proactive. No lead is too small.
Public Safety in Tourist Spots – Time to Rethink?
This shooting came in a location that’s often full of families, joggers, and kids enjoying summer treats. The park spans roughly 400 rai—a vast public playground. Its size and visibility didn’t stop violence. That raises big questions: Should local officials crack down on weapon-carrying vendors? Does Kabin Buri need permanent patrols near vendor zones? Maybe it’s time to rethink how we define “safe public space.”
Ripple Effects – Why This Matters Beyond Ice Cream
At first glance, it’s a single, local dispute over ice cream. But look closer, and you’ll see darker currents:
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Vendor Vulnerability: Unregulated street sellers often face fierce competition with little legal recourse.
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Violence Risk: When petty rivalries escalate, innocent bystanders get hurt—even over something as harmless as a popsicle.
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Crime in Public Places: When shootings happen in busy parks, regular folks feel unsafe.
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Prevention vs. Reaction: Would better vendor management, conflict resolution help avoid these tragedies?
This incident isn’t just a one-off. It’s part of a broader pattern where everyday life collides with weaponized frustrations.
Safety Tips for Park Visitors
Let’s be real: we love dusk strolls and grabbing an ice cream from a roadside vendor. But in light of this, maybe a little caution helps:
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Buddy Up: Walk with friends—especially at dusk.
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Stay Aware: Notice rising tensions—raised voices, gestures, unusual behavior.
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Report Quickly: If you see someone hassled, insecure, or brandishing something, call local emergency numbers.
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Choose Safer Spots: Vendors near security posts or lights are better bets.
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Know Your Exit: Just like a fire drill—know where to go if chaos erupts.
Even a single tool in a crisis—vigilance—can matter.
Vendor Conflict Management – Can It Work?
What if local government stepped in? Solutions could include:
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Licensing zones: Specific areas where only one vendor per brand is permitted.
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Vendor forums: Meetings to resolve disputes before they bubble over.
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Conflict mediation: Quick-response teams to calm rising tensions.
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Microtraining: Short workshops on conflict skills and soft de-escalation.
Such proactive moves could prevent incidents from going from sore arguments to shots fired.
Conclusion
What started as a walk to enjoy a frozen treat turned into a community shaken by violence. On June 14, 2025, a beloved vendor in Prachinburi was shot in the heat of competition—her injuries a stark reminder that even the smallest disagreements can spiral into darkness. Police are working overtime, but the case opens bigger questions about safety, regulation, and the kind of public spaces we want. Because an ice cream cone should never come with a side of fear.