Crime Durian Orchard Dispute Turns Deadly as Man Shot After Cutting Down Trees

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A late-night confrontation in a durian orchard ended with a man being fatally shot by an unidentified gunman. The incident occurred in the early hours of 6 May in the village of Klai, Tha Sala district.

 

Police were alerted at approximately 00.30. Upon arrival, officers from Tha Sala Police Station, forensic investigators, a hospital medical team, and a local rescue foundation found the lifeless body of 47-year-old Mr. Somchai lying in a pool of blood among felled durian trees.
 

He had sustained multiple shotgun wounds to the torso and right hip, as well as a suspected stab wound to his left ribcage. A 2-foot-long palm-cutting knife was discovered under the body. Two durian trees, aged around 4 to 5 years, had been freshly chopped down at the scene.

 

Investigations revealed that Mr. Somchai had entered the orchard, which belongs to his estranged wife, with whom he had jointly invested in durian cultivation over several years. He reportedly cut down two trees and was in the process of felling a third when he was shot at close range. The assailant, believed to be someone known to the victim, fled the scene under cover of darkness.

 

According to police, the couple had a history of disputes, including recent arguments involving the wife’s relatives. Mr. Somchai’s younger brother told investigators that if anything happened to Somchai, it would likely be linked to the wife’s side of the family. This testimony is now part of the case file.

 

Authorities have stated that they are aware of key background information that may explain the motive behind the killing. Nine individuals, including the deceased’s wife and several of her relatives, will be summoned for questioning. Forensic teams are collecting gunpowder residue and other evidence to determine the identity of the shooter.

 

The case remains under active investigation as police pursue leads to bring the perpetrator to justice.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-07.