Gunman Opens Fire on Ex-Wife's Home, Police Hunt Underway

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A man armed with a 9mm handgun fired multiple rounds at his ex- wife's house in Phatthalung, leaving the property riddled with bullet holes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Police are now searching for the suspect.

The attack occurred in the evening of 9 February at a house in Phanom Wang Subdistrict, Khuan Khanun District. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and screams as the suspect, identified as Mr Somchai 50, opened fire on the home of his ex-wife, Ms Yuwadee, 42.

Ms Yuwadee's youngest child reportedly shouted, "Mum, run! Dad is going to shoot you!" as the gunman fired multiple shots, threatening to kill everyone inside. Terrified, Ms Yuwadee and her three children fled in different directions to escape the gunfire.

When officers from Nakayad Police Station arrived at the scene, they found the house's front windows, doors, and walls riddled with bullet holes. Spent 9mm shell casings were scattered across the front yard, with nearly 10 found at the scene. Police sealed off the area for forensic examination.

According to Ms Yuwadee, she and Mr Somchai had been married for six years before divorcing two months ago due to his increasingly violent temper. She had two children from a previous marriage, whom she brought to live in the newly built home, something that angered her ex-husband.

"The arguments became more intense, and at one point, he even broke my arm. I endured it for a time, but eventually, I couldn't take it anymore," she said.

Although divorced, Mr Somchai continued to provide financial support for his son and would occasionally visit.

On the day of the incident, Mr Somchai had messaged Ms Yuwadee, saying he wanted to take their son out for a barbecue. He arrived at the house in his Isuzu D-Max pickup truck and called the boy outside.

Before the child got into the vehicle, Mr Somchai asked, "Who's in the house?" Upon hearing that only Ms Yuwadee and her other two children were inside, he allegedly declared, "I'll shoot everyone in there, before drawing his firearm.

The youngest child screamed a warning to his mother before shots rang out. The family scattered in fear, escaping the gunfire.

Authorities are now actively searching for Mr Somchai, who fled the scene. Police have urged him to surrender but have yet to locate him. Investigations are ongoing.

-- 2025-02-11