A 31-year-old taxi driver and former soldier was shot dead while at the wheel in Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, on 24 May 2026, after being attacked by a group of nearly 10 men. The victim, identified as Mr Sikkharin, died at the scene after being ambushed following a passenger drop-off near a hotel. The vehicle subsequently crashed into a wall after he was shot multiple times in the chest.
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According to accounts from relatives on 27 May, the incident occurred late at night after Mr Sikkharin had completed a fare. He was then surrounded by men allegedly linked to a local black-plate taxi network, who blocked his vehicle, forced open the doors, and attacked him using baseball bats and physical force.
As he attempted to escape down a dead-end road, one attacker is reported to have fired a handgun at him five times, killing him instantly. Family members have claimed the attack is linked to ongoing disputes over passenger pick-up rights, despite Mr Sikkharin reportedly paying 3,500 baht per month in protection fees to avoid conflict.
They also raised concerns over the initial police response, stating officers claimed nearby CCTV cameras were not functioning and suggested only one suspect was involved and had fled the island by speedboat. However, a video later provided by a witness reportedly shows close to 10 attackers surrounding and assaulting the victim, contradicting the initial police account.
The victim’s family has since called for a transparent investigation, highlighting that Mr Sikkharin was an active volunteer who assisted vulnerable passengers. Following the incident, his wife, who had a newborn baby aged one month, reportedly left Ko Samui due to safety concerns after receiving a suspicious phone call directing her to the scene. The Sai Mai Tong Rod organisation has stepped in to assist the family, urging authorities including Surat Thani provincial police and the Department of Special Investigation to review the case.
Manager Online reported that officials are expected to continue examining video evidence and witness statements as pressure increases for clarity over the number of suspects involved and the circumstances surrounding the killing.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 28 May 2026