The shooting occurred when Manas, 67, pulled a gun and fired at least two shots during a confrontation with Kittisak ‘Kamnan Piek’ Sotraksa, 64, a former headman of Tambon Srisoonthorn.
The two men had previously been business partners but had a falling out, leading Kittisak to open a new market about a kilometre away. Kittisak had arrived at the Ko Beng market last night to try to persuade market vendors to move to his new market.
The confrontation escalated, leading Manas to pull out his handgun and fire it.
Photos of the scene last night showed two bullet casings on the ground where the shooting occurred.
Manas and Kittisak both fled the scene before police arrived last night, but by midnight Manas had presented himself at Thalang Police Station.
Manas also handed in the firearm used, a Colt .45.
Manas claimed to have been physically assaulted by Kittisak, which he gave as his reason for firing his handgun. After questioning by police, Manas was taken to Thalang Hospital for a physical examination.
Manas now faces multiple charges, including “carrying a firearm in a public area without proper reason or necessity”, “discharging a firearm in a public area without proper reason or necessity” and “attempted murder using a firearm.”
Police have confirmed the charges against Manas, while saying that their investigation is ongoing.