The shooting occurred at about 5:40pm, opposite the C&N Hotel on Sirirat Rd. Patong Police were notified of the incident at about 5:53pm, with officers rushing to the scene alongside forensic staff.
Police identified the victim as Ameer Mundher Mamood, 24, an Iraqi national. He was attacked while wiping down his motorcycle outside the hotel.
Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum said the man was grievously wounded in the shooting and was rushed to Patong Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
At the scene, officers found spent bullet casings and bloodstains on the road. The Phuket Forensic Science Division was called in to examine the area and collect evidence, while investigators began reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area to trace the suspect’s movements before and after the shooting.
According to initial findings, the gunman approached the victim and opened fire with an unknown brand and calibre of firearm before fleeing the scene. No property was reported stolen.
CCTV footage reviewed by investigators shows that at about 5:47pm, shortly before the shooting, the suspect was riding a black-and-red Honda Click motorcycle. The rider was wearing a helmet, a black T-shirt with a white ‘K’ printed on the back, blue jeans, a windbreaker and sneakers.
Patong Police Chief Pol Col Korakrit Khanthakrue confirmed that a full investigation was launched immediately after the incident, with officers canvassing the area for witnesses and reviewing footage from nearby businesses and hotels.
At about 9:30pm the same evening, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert convened an urgent meeting at Patong Police Station with senior officers from Patong Police, Phuket Provincial Police, Region 8 Police and the Crime Suppression Division to coordinate the investigation and accelerate efforts to track down the shooter.
Pol Maj Gen Sinlert said investigators had identified a prime suspect, a foreign man who had been staying at a hotel near the crime scene and had checked out shortly after the shooting.
Police searched the suspect’s room and the hotel and seized a motorcycle, helmet, clothing and a gun believed to have been used in the killing. The seized items have been sent for forensic examination.
Pol Maj Gen Sinlert said the suspect had not left the country and immigration authorities had been alerted to monitor exit points.
Police did not release the suspect’s name or further details. A friend of the victim told investigators they had no idea why Mr Ameer was targeted.
Officers are continuing to question witnesses and associates of the victim to establish a motive, with police saying no lines of inquiry have been ruled out.
The Iraqi Embassy has been contacted to notify the victim’s family and provide consular assistance, Patong Police confirmed.