Capt Wattanathorn Bumrongthin from Thung Thong Police was alerted to a shooting incident at a seafood restaurant in Soi Hopland in Kathu district at 9pm. It was reported that one man had died of a gunshot wound to the head.
Capt Wattanathorn arrived at the scene with a team of officers including forensic police and medical staff from Vachira Hospital to find the body of a man sitting face down at a table in the restaurant. Three 9mm bullet casings and one bullet tip where found close to the body.
“The victim was 46-year-old Phuttarak Dachaphun,” said Capt Wattanathorn. “He had been shot three times.
“We were told that the suspect's name is Komgrit Wisetmak, 47, who was drinking with the victim,” he added. Komgrit is a former police officer, and Mr Phuttarak was a former police volunteer, police later confirmed.*
Later in the night, Komgrit turned up at Thung Thong Police Station and presented police with the weapon used in the shooting, a 9mm Smith & Wesson, he also handed over 12 bullets.
Capt Wattanathorn explained, “The gun is registered to Komgrit and he has a permit. We handed Komgrit to forensic police to check him for traces of gun powder before taking him to be questioned.
“During questioning Komgrit said he was drinking with four men including Phuttarak but they started arguing. Komgrit got upset with something Phuttarak said so he pulled out his gun and fired three shots at him.
“Komgrit will be charged with murder,” Capt Wattanathorn said.
* Not included in the initial report, but later confirmed later by police.