A 45-year-old construction worker was shot in the head and killed during a violent dispute that escalated into a shootout on the island of Koh Samui in southern Thailand.
The incident took place around 3:30 pm on 10 September in the garage of a house in the Mae Nam district. According to initial findings from the investigation, a construction worker named Pricha, who specialised in building work, was attending a gathering with friends when an altercation broke out.
The six men present, all from the construction trade, had continued their evening after attending a wedding. The discussion quickly turned into an argument, then a fight, before gunshots rang out. Pricha was shot in the head and died at the scene. A 9 mm pistol was found near his body.
The shooting then continued between those inside the house and people outside. Several bullet holes were found in the glass door and on a car parked in front of the property. Investigators believe at least three firearms were used.
After the shots, those involved fled the scene. One man was slightly wounded in the arm. Police have questioned the wife of the property owner, named Phong, as well as two witnesses. Footage from CCTV cameras installed in the garage and outside the house is being analysed to establish exactly how events unfolded.