Fuel Tanker Drivers’ Brawl Ends in Fatal Shooting

Picture from responders.

A heated argument between two fuel tanker drivers turned deadly at a petrol station in Surat Thani when one man was fatally shot after an exchange of blows escalated into a confrontation involving a hammer and a gun.

The incident took place at 07:05 on 13 February, at a former PTT petrol station on Liang Mueang Road, Makham Tia subdistrict. Police and rescue teams arrived at the scene to find multiple fuel trucks parked in the area and a man lying critically injured.

The victim, identified as Mr. Apirak, 56, from Phang Nga province, had sustained severe gun wounds to the abdomen. Despite emergency medical assistance, he later succumbed to his injuries at Surat Thani Hospital. A hammer was discovered at the scene.

Initial investigations revealed that the petrol station serves as a rest stop for fuel tanker drivers. The altercation began as a verbal dispute between Apirak and another driver, identified only as “Mr. A”. The argument escalated into a fistfight, after which both men briefly separated.

However, tensions reignited when Apirak returned with a hammer, while Mr. A retrieved a gun. As the confrontation resumed, Apirak allegedly attempted to strike Mr. A, prompting him to fire his weapon, leaving Apirak mortally wounded.

Following the shooting, Mr. A fled the scene on a motorcycle but later contacted Surat Thani police, expressing his intention to surrender.

Authorities continue their investigation into the incident, with legal proceedings expected to follow.

-- 2025-02-14