On the evening of 16 June 2025, police in Pattaya arrested a 27-year-old South Korean national following a tense standoff and pursuit, after he allegedly detained his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint for nearly 24 hours in a suspected act of jealousy.
The incident took place at a nail salon on Pattaya Klang Road, where the woman, a 28-year-old Thai business owner identified as Ann, was held against her will beginning the night of 15 June. Authorities responded after receiving a report at approximately 7:00 p.m. that a foreign national had confined a woman and was brandishing a firearm.
Upon arrival, officers from the Pattaya City Police Station attempted to secure the premises. However, the suspect reportedly evaded arrest by smashing a window and leaping from a third-floor balcony, pistol in hand. The woman was rescued shortly after and appeared to have sustained bruises consistent with physical assault. Police described her as visibly distressed and physically exhausted.
According to the victim, the suspect had taken her mobile phone and accused her of infidelity, believing she was romantically involved with a Chinese man. She was later forced to send a message to a Chinese friend, whom the suspect believed to be her new partner. Seizing a brief opportunity, she used the phone to covertly request help, prompting her friend to contact local police.
Following the escape, law enforcement officers conducted a search of the surrounding area and apprehended the suspect around 11:00 p.m., roughly 500 metres from the nail salon. He was found in possession of a 9mm handgun, which he allegedly purchased for 77,000 baht from a Thai woman.
During questioning, the suspect, identified as Dong Wook Kim, admitted to detaining the woman and threatening her with the firearm. He cited jealousy as his motive, according to a report from Thai-language media outlet Thairath.
Despite having endured both physical assault and emotional trauma, the victim initially declined to file charges related to unlawful detention or bodily harm. However, the suspect is currently being prosecuted under Thailand’s Firearms Act as investigations continue.
Senior police officials, including Colonel Anek Sathongyu, confirmed that the case remains open and that further legal proceedings will depend on additional evidence and the victim’s final decision regarding other potential charges.
