A gunman who shot his colleague at a warehouse in Ratsada, Phuket, was arrested at a hotel yesterday evening, April 7, following a police search.
The suspect, 50 year old Prakit Pannarai, opened fire on his colleague, 40 year old Wirat Nawadate, at a retail store warehouse on April 6. Prakit fired three shots, striking Wirat in the body and leg, causing him to flee the scene.
Wirat contacted a friend to seek help before being taken to hospital. He was initially reported to be in critical condition but has since stabilised and is now considered safe.
Medical staff reported that an identification card worn by Wirat at the time of the shooting helped reduce the impact of one of the bullets.
After the incident, Prakit fled on a black and red Honda Click motorcycle. Officers from Mueang Phuket Police Station later located him at a small hotel on the same day. Police seized a firearm and 25 bullets as evidence.
During questioning, Prakit admitted to the shooting and said it stemmed from a long-running dispute with the victim. He told police the pair had argued on several occasions and that he lost his temper on the day of the incident.
Police charged Prakit with attempted murder and illegal possession and use of a firearm. Officers said further questioning would be conducted to establish details of the conflict and ensure a fair investigation.
In a similar case reported in March, a former park ranger shot his ex-colleague, the chief of the Salak Phra-Erawan Forest Fire Control Station. The victim avoided the gunman and was later taken to hospital, where his condition improved.
The suspect in that case was later arrested and told police the shooting was linked to a dispute over forest encroachment. The victim had previously reported the offence, leading to ongoing conflict between the two.
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