Samut songkhram: Armed with a gun, a man stormed into Mae Klong market after being angered that a vendor refused to sell his wife 20-baht shrimp.

According to Thai News Agency, the suspect, identified as Mr. Jenarong, or "Jet," 34, was apprehended by police in Samut Songkhram while attempting to flee on a motorcycle. The incident, which took place in the bustling Mae Klong market, involved Mr. Jenarong brandishing a BB gun and threatening seafood vendors, causing panic among shoppers and vendors alike.

During a search, police discovered a BB gun and two knives approximately one foot long on Mr. Jenarong and his motorcycle. In initial questioning, he partially denied the charges, claiming his intent was not to threaten but merely to inquire why his wife wasn't sold the shrimp. Mr. Jenarong stated that he carried the BB gun for protection. A subsequent urine test for drugs returned positive, with Mr. Jenarong admitting to methamphetamine use 4-5 days prior.

A shrimp vendor recounted that the previous morning, Mr. Jenarong's wife attempted to purchase 20 baht worth of shrimp. The vendor explained that as it was the "first sale," they preferred to sell in larger quantities, either half a kilo or a kilo, but had previously accommodated her request for 20 baht shrimp on other occasions. Despite no initial conflict, Mr. Jenarong returned, threatening them with a gun and demanding to know their course of action, which prompted the vendor to contact police.

Pol. Lt. Weerayut Pathee, Deputy Inspector of Prevention and Suppression at Muang Samut Songkhram Police Station, confirmed that although the weapon was a BB gun, its use to intimidate and cause fear, alongside the discovery of a knife and narcotics, led to charges against Mr. Jenarong. The charges include illegal possession and use of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine), causing fear and alarm through threats, and carrying a weapon in public without reasonable cause. Mr. Jenarong and the seized items have been handed over to investigating officers at Muang Samut Songkhram Police Station for further legal action.