A 28-year-old French tourist was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital after he was injured by a gunshot at Kathu Shooting Range in Phuket on 28 September. Kathu police are investigating the circumstances and examining evidence from the scene.
The injured man, identified only as William, was found with a head wound inside the range in Kathu subdistrict, Kathu district. Officers provided initial assistance before arranging his transfer to hospital for treatment.
Lieutenant Colonel Natthayan Suphanphong, an investigator at Kathu Police Station, was notified by the station's radio centre. She informed the station superintendent, Colonel Chalermchai Hersawat, and travelled to inspect the scene.
What range staff told police
According to the range supervisor, William bought 10 rounds of ammunition before entering the range to use a firearm on targets. The supervisor said he fired about four or five rounds at targets before raising the firearm to his head and firing once, leaving him injured.
Police said their inquiry remains at an early stage. Officers are checking the full details of the case, including witness accounts and other relevant evidence, before taking further action under standard procedures.
What this means for Phuket visitors
Visitors using any shooting range should follow staff instructions at all times and leave the firing area if they feel unsafe or distressed. Anyone concerned about a travelling companion should alert venue staff immediately rather than attempt to handle an emergency alone.
If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek help.
Picture courtesy of Amarin
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29 September 2026
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