The incident occurred at about 1pm on Tuesday (Apr 14), when Niyom Phinyo, 72, was punched in the right temple during a confrontation at the shrine.
According to Phuket City Police Station, Mr Niyom was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries, including a wound to his nose.
Investigating officer Pol. Lt. Sirirat Phromsiripaiboon reported that initial enquiries found the altercation stemmed from an earlier dispute the same day.
At about 11am, the suspect, Niphon Tohirunpruk, 60, told police that Mr Niyom had approached him at the shrine, verbally abused him and punched him once in the face. Bystanders intervened, and the two men separated, with Mr Niphon returning home.
However, at about 1pm, Mr Niphon returned to the shrine and encountered Mr Niyom again. He then punched Mr Niyom once in the right temple.
Mr Niyom was taken for medical treatment following the assault, but hospital staff later notified police that he had died at 12:10am yesterday (Apr 15).
Police have classified the case as an assault resulting in death and have reported the incident to senior officers. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and proceed with legal action against the suspect.
Phuket City Police Chief PolCol Chatree Chukaew confirmed the case remains under investigation.