Gunman in Car Shoots at 18-Year-Old in Drive-By Attack in Phatthalung

Picture from investigation.

An 18-year-old man was injured in a drive-by shooting in Phatthalung province after an unknown assailant fired a shotgun at him from a passing car. Police are investigating the motive behind the attack and are reviewing CCTV footage to track down the suspect.

At around 10:00 on 31 January, Police Lieutenant Boonrit Triwai of Kong Ra Police Station, along with forensic officers, examined the scene of the shooting on the Maekhri-Kong Ra road, in front of the Ban Nabon market, Moo 8, Khlong Chaloem Subdistrict, Kong Ra District.

The incident occurred at approximately 03:50 when the victim, identified as Kritin, an 18-year-old from Tamot District, was riding his motorcycle along the road. According to his initial statement, a car suddenly pulled up beside him, and he heard a gunshot. He was struck in the leg and grazed on the cheek. The injured teenager managed to stop his motorcycle and call for help, while the car sped away from the scene.

Rescue workers quickly transported him to a local hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

At the crime scene, police recovered a shotgun shell casing, shot and pieces of shattered eyeglass lenses. Additionally, stray shot had damaged two nearby houses.

A local resident, 60-year-old Sua-od, told police that he had heard cries for help around 03:00. When he stepped outside, he saw the young man standing next to his motorcycle, bleeding from his cheek and leg. The victim pleaded for help, prompting Sua-od to call emergency services.

Authorities have since reviewed nearby CCTV footage, which captured the sound of a single gunshot. Police are now working to track down the suspect’s vehicle and determine the motive for the attack.

The investigation is ongoing.

-- 2025-02-01