Neighbour Dispute Ends in Tragedy as Rubber Farmer Shot Dead

Picture from responders.

A long-standing land dispute between two neighbours took a deadly turn in Nakhon Si Thammarat on 17 February, when a heated argument in a rubber plantation led to a fatal shooting. The suspect, unable to control his anger, turned himself in to police shortly after the incident.

The shooting occurred in a rubber plantation in Ban Tham Thong, Moo 9, Tham Phannara subdistrict, Tham Phannara district. Police and emergency responders, led by Pol Lt Pramote Namrob, were called to the scene, where they found the lifeless body of Mr. Jaroensilp, aged 53. The victim had suffered three gunshot wounds, two to the torso and one to the head, inflicted by a .357 calibre firearm. A latex collection container lay near his body.

The perpetrator, identified as 49-year-old Mr. Weera, was a neighbouring landowner. Following the shooting, he voluntarily surrendered to local police, handing over the weapon used in the crime.

During questioning, Mr. Weera admitted to the killing, stating that he and the victim had a history of disputes over their adjacent rubber plantations. On the time of the incident, the two men crossed paths while collecting latex. A verbal altercation quickly escalated, with Mr. Jaroensilp allegedly using offensive language towards Mr. Weera. Enraged, Mr. Weera drew his firearm, one he had reportedly been carrying in anticipation of such a confrontation and fired three shots, instantly killing his neighbour.

Pol Col Chaiphat Sri Rueang, superintendent of Tham Phannara Police Station, confirmed that the two men had a history of conflicts regarding their land. The suspect has been charged with homicide and remains in police custody. He has confessed to the crime and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

-- 2025-02-18