Mysterious Shooting Death in Chanthaburi: Man Found Dead in Fruit Orchard

Picture from responders.

A man was found dead from gunshot wounds in a fruit orchard in Chanthaburi on the night of December 20. The body of 52-year-old Somjai Muktawat was discovered in the orchard after what appeared to be a hunting trip turned tragic.

At approximately 20:00 Somjai, along with two colleagues, Dusit, 54, and his younger companions, 35-year-old Sumet and 30-year-old Krit, went to hunt wild animals in a forest area behind a fruit farm in the village of Khlong Narai, Chanthaburi. Dusit reported that he heard the sound of a gunshot and rushed to investigate. He found Somjai sitting under a mangosteen tree, visibly injured, and claiming he had been shot.

Dusit and the others attempted to assist Somjai and carried him 200 metres to the roadside, hoping to get him to the hospital. However, by the time they reached the roadside, Somjai was already dead. They immediately called the police to report the incident.

Police arrived on the scene shortly after and confirmed the victim had sustained over 10 gunshot wounds to the chest and face. Forensic experts from the Chanthaburi Provincial Hospital conducted an initial examination of the body and determined the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds.

Authorities have taken the three men into custody for questioning. Investigators are currently working to determine the exact cause of the shooting, the identity of the perpetrator, and whether foul play was involved. Evidence, including fingerprints and gunpowder residue, has been collected for further forensic testing.

The police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has been informed, and an official inquiry is ongoing.

-- 2024-12-22