Pol Lt Col Adisorn Juhong, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) at the Kathu Police, was called to the home, a two-story semi-detached house in Soi Si Kor, Moo 6, Kathu, at 5:45am.
Forensics officers, a forensic team from Vachira Phuket Hospital and staff from the Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation arrived at the home to find the body of the body of Somchai Phitdu, 62, on the floor of the bedroom on the second floor of the home.
He had suffered a single gunshot to the chest with an 11mm bullet. An 11mm Kimber handgun was on the floor by his feet. Officers said that their initial impression was that Mr Somchai had fired the gun himself.
Mr Somchai’s wife, Saithong Phitsadhu, 60, told police that she and her husband lived in the house alone. She was downstairs when she heard the gunshot. She ran upstairs to find her husband dead, Ms Saithong said.
Mr Somchai spent most of his time in their garden and tapping rubber at a plantation of over 10 rai near Kathu Waterfall, Ms Saithong explained.
However, his behaviour had recently changed. He suffered from bouts of depression and had hallucinations that someone was going to hurt him, Ms Saithong said.
Police are continuing their investigation into Mr Somchai’s death. Officers collected fingerprints and samples of gunpowder residue from the scene, and collected fingerprint samples from Ms Saithong.
Mr Somchai’s body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for forensic examination before it can be released to relatives for his funeral, police confirmed.
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