Man Gunned Down in Buriram Hut, Police Suspect Revenge Motive

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

A 32-year-old man was fatally shot in what police believe may have been a revenge killing, following a late-night ambush at his remote field hut in Prakhon Chai district, Buriram province.

The victim, identified as Mr Phongsak, known locally as “Kluay”, was found dead early morning on 13 April, beneath a small wooden bridge leading to his rural shelter, located about five kilometres from Ban Non Sawan village in Khao Khok subdistrict.

Officers from Ban Bua Police Station, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Sombun Deekasem, were called to the scene at around 09.00, after villagers reported a suspected shooting. Rescue workers from Song Muang Foundation also responded.

Upon arrival, police discovered Mr Phongsak lying on his back with both legs submerged in a water channel beneath the bridge. He had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the back of the head, inflicted by a 9mm firearm. Investigators found four spent cartridges scattered near the rear of the hut, suggesting the assailant had approached stealthily before opening fire.

According to police, the attack appeared to be a targeted ambush. It’s believed the first shots missed, prompting the victim to flee towards the bridge, where he was struck in the head and fell.

A younger acquaintance of the victim, who had been drinking with him earlier that night, told police that Mr Phongsak had been socialising with his uncle and a group of friends, around five people in total, outside the hut. The witness had left to check fishing lines around 500 metres away and later heard multiple gunshots, fearing for his safety he fled home. He returned the next morning with relatives and discovered the body.

Mr Phongsak’s cousin, 45-year-old Ms Paphichaya, said the deceased had previously been married with children but was living alone in the hut. He was known to frequently host friends and acquaintances at the property.

Ms Paphichaya added that her cousin may have been involved in illicit activities, including drug use. She revealed that someone had recently messaged him on Facebook with the threatening words: “You got my brother jailed. I will get you back.” Another local had warned him to leave the area following rumours of an affair with a married woman, but Mr Phongsak refused, insisting he had done nothing wrong.

“There were signs something bad might happen,” she said. “We had tried to prepare ourselves, but it’s still a terrible shock.”

Police are pursuing two main lines of enquiry: a possible drug-related dispute or a personal feud involving a romantic entanglement. Investigators are reviewing social media communications and interviewing witnesses to identify suspects.

The investigation remains ongoing.

-- 2025-04-14