Police were called to Chalong Pier after receiving reports of the shooting at 11:13pm.
By the time they arrived, however, Khaimook Rescue workers had already departed, transporting the body of Isayat Malee, 28, from Narathiwat, and his wounded friend,Amdee Jaolaeh, 19, from Pattani to Vachira Hospital in Phuket Town.
One witness told police that a group of youngsters were hanging out at the pier together, when one of them took off his shirt and danced around.
“This reportedly sparked a heated argument, and they started throwing bottles at each other,” said Special Investigator Lt Col Jaroon Plaiduong of the Chalong Police.
Amdee and Isayat were injured by the hurtled bottles. They mounted their motorbike and tried to flee, but three suspects – believed to be all male – on two motorbikes quickly pulled up alongside, Col Jaroon explained.
“One suspect pulled out a gun and fired once at Isayat , hitting him in the lower neck, and twice at Amdee, who was hit in the left leg and left shoulder. Isayat attempted to ride away but collapsed on the ground,” he said.
At the scene, police found three bullet casings as well as a jacket, two helmets and a bag containing Mr Amdee’s government identification card.
“We were told that the suspects sped away toward Chalong Circle,” Col Jaroon said.
“We are checking CCTV footage and questioning more people that might have witnessed the incident or be able to recognize the suspects ” he added.