Kathu Police first learned of the shooting after staff at Phuket International Hospital called at 1am today (Oct 8) to report that a Mr Jumnong Kaewphrod, 41, was being treated for shotgun wounds to his back.
Doctors managed to remove two of the six projectiles that had entered his body.
Police arrived at the hospital to question Mr Jumnong’s wife, who said the attack occurred in front of Golden View Village in Kathu, where the couple live.
Police soon arrived at the scene to find blood and Mr Jumnong’s shoes on the ground beside a van, but no evidence of a gun or shotgun cartridge, said Lt Col Sawanya Eidthrong of the Kathu Police.
“The attack apparently happened at about 11pm. Neighbours heard gunfire and came out to see what happened, and saw Jumnong on the ground,” Lt Sawanya said.
“One neighbour said that while he was pulling up to park his car in front of his home, he saw a tall man wearing a full-face helmet shoot at Mr Jumnong. The neighbour said that the man started fighting with Mr Jumnong, then ran away,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Jumnong was transferred across town to Mission Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
“We are now checking CCTV in the area and checking Jumnong’s phone for any leads as to who attacked him,” Lt Sawanya said.
“However, Mr Jumnong’s wife and his friends told us that Mr Jumnong had many girlfriends. They believe the attack resulted from conflict over a woman. This seems to be the reason why the person shot him,” he said.
“We are continuing our investigation,” Lt Sawanya said.