Phuket City Police were called ot the scene, on Phatthanakan Soi 2, at about 5pm.
Police and emergency responders from the Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation and Vachira Phuket Hospital arrived to find two men, the tenant and his landlord, both injured.
The landlord, Soros Chitchiew, 41, suffered an injury to his right eye socket. The tenant, Phanupong (‘Bank’) Sae-Tae, was shot in the left leg. Both were provided first aid at the scene before being transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital.
According to Mr Soros, the conflict began when he and his wife went to Room 5 to address complaints about the tenant’s late-night noise. He stated that the tenant had a history of threatening behaviour and had been asked to vacate the property multiple times.
Tensions flared when Phanupong reportedly became aggressive, involving relatives in the confrontation. Mr Soros, who possesses a licensed firearm, claimed he carried the weapon as a precaution.
During the altercation, a struggle for the gun ensued, causing it to accidentally discharge and strike the tenant’s leg, he said.
Suhaila Hawe, Mr Soros’s wife, described the tenant as problematic and claimed other tenants were afraid of him due to inappropriate behaviour, such as staring at women. She stated that their attempts to reason with the tenant were met with hostility, ultimately leading to the violent encounter.
Phuket City Police Chief Pol Col Pratuang Phonmana confirmed that officers arrived within 10 minutes of the initial report and detained the landlord.
Preliminary investigations indicate the incident was unplanned and resulted from an escalating argument.
Officers seized four firearms from Mr Soros’ residence, including the 9mm Sig Sauer handgun involved in the shooting. Police are verifying whether all the firearms are legally registered.
The investigation is ongoing, with officers reviewing evidence and statements from both parties to determine the circumstances surrounding the altercation.
Both the landlord and the tenant remain hospitalised, and charges are pending based on the outcome of the investigation.