Police were called to the scene, in Moo 6, Kathu, at about midday.
The victim, identified as 38-year-old Suwit ‘Lek’ Nokket, was shot twice before attempting to flee across the road to the police station.
Mr Suwit was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital by rescue officers from the Kusoldharm Foundation but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
According to initial reports, the shooter fled towards Kathu Waterfall in a white five-door sedan with Phuket licence plates KorTor 7490.
The police pursued the vehicle, which sustained damage to its rear left wheel near Phanason housing estate.
During the chase, a passenger in the front seat, armed with a gun, jumped out of the vehicle. Police quickly arrested the suspect, identified as Thitiphong Thongyung, 32, while the driver managed to escape.
The investigation revealed that Thitiphong used a 9mm CZ semi-automatic weapon in the shooting.
Further inspections led to the discovery of the suspect’s vehicle abandoned at Kathu New Fresh Market, where forensic teams were called in to collect evidence.
Pol Col Rungrit Rattanaphakdi, Superintendent of Kathu Police Station, explained that the altercation appeared to be a personal dispute between the two men.
They had reportedly met at an Isan restaurant to resolve personal issues, but the discussion escalated, resulting in the fatal shooting. Police have ruled out any connection to drug activity in the case.
Police are continuing to search for the driver who fled the scene.