Tourists were hit by bullets at a shooting range in Thailand

At around 6:10 p.m. on March 18, local police in Kathu district, Phuket, Thailand received reports of a shooting causing injury to a foreigner at a shooting facility located opposite the Tiger Kingdom tourist area. The victim was identified as Ms. Li Li, 52 years old, Chinese nationality.

According to reports from the authorities, Ms. Li Li and a friend came to this shooting range to experience recreational shooting services. After completing the practice session under the guidance of the staff, the two tourists moved to the area in front of the shooting lane to take commemorative photos. At this moment, an explosion rang out. The taxi driver waiting for the group of passengers outside was the first to discover that Ms. Li Li was injured and called for support staff. The victim was immediately taken to Patong Hospital, then transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for surgery.

Medical examination results determined that a 9 mm bullet was lodged in the tourist’s right cheek. Doctors said that although her injuries were serious, Ms. Li Li remained conscious throughout the treatment process.

Through investigation at the scene and taking statements, the police detained a 28-year-old male employee named Ha. This person admitted that he was the one who caused the accident.

According to testimony, Ha was checking his personal gun in an area about 20 meters away from the shooting lane. Because he forgot to check the ammunition chamber, the gun exploded while he was operating it. The bullet passed through a wooden partition and a layer of glass door before hitting the face of a tourist standing on the other side taking pictures.

Phuket Police have carried out legal procedures to prosecute this employee on charges of unintentionally causing serious injury and illegal possession of weapons and ammunition. This incident revealed a gap in the management of personal weapons of employees right at the tourist service area.

In tourist capitals like Phuket, the shooting range is not simply a military training ground but an experiential attraction.

These facilities are often located in large entertainment complexes, in addition to services such as Go-kart racing, elephant riding or zoos. Customers are often international tourists who want to try out the feeling of holding a real gun, an activity that is banned or strictly limited in many other countries. Here, visitors only need to pay for ammunition packages to be able to use guns under 1-on-1 supervision.

Previously, in 2024, a gun accident also occurred at a shooting range in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok. Chinese male tourist, 43 years old, was found dead at the scene. Police found the victim’s body with a 9 mm gun right next to it. Investigation results showed that this was a suicide by gunfire. Incidents involving guns and ammunition at entertainment establishments are causing Thai authorities to tighten psychological control and safety procedures for guests using this service.

Due to the nature of an open service point, the number of customers coming in and out is crowded and the waiting area is often located close to the shooting lanes, posing many potential risks and dangers. Wooden or glass partition walls at some facilities are not bulletproof enough if a trigger incident occurs from behind or from the side.

To ensure safety when participating in this type of shooting experience, visitors are recommended to improve their awareness of self-protection through important rules. After finishing the shooting, visitors should move back to the waiting room with concrete partitions instead of standing in the transition areas to take photos.

Absolute compliance with the “rule of 4 nos”, including not touching guns without orders; Always treat guns as if they are loaded; Keep a safe distance, avoid curious observations when employees disassemble and assemble personal weapons; You should only choose establishments with licenses, automatic beer systems and strict management procedures.