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.

 

 

 

[JoePai]

His estranged wife maybe ??

[fredwiggy]

The cost of life being two Durian trees. And soon someone in prison.

[SAFETY FIRST]

12 minutes ago, JoePai said:

His estranged wife maybe ??

Yep

 

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

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

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Former Village Headman Confesses to Shooting Nephew-in-Law Dead in Durian Orchard

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A former village headman has confessed to the fatal shooting of his nephew-in-law in a durian plantation, claiming he acted out of sympathy for his niece who had allegedly endured repeated abuse by the victim.

 

The incident occurred in the district of Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, where Mr Somchai 47, was found shot dead on 6 May in the family’s durian orchard. Police say the land had been jointly cultivated by the victim and his wife over the past four to five years, though recent domestic disputes had strained the relationship.

 

Mr Somchai reportedly entered the orchard late at night and began cutting down trees he had planted, prompting the deadly confrontation. Surveillance footage showed a man, later identified as Mr Jaroon 59, a former village headman and close relative of the victim’s wife, leaving his home earlier that evening carrying a shotgun and dressed in dark clothing.

 

Initially denying involvement, Mr Jaroon was arrested following the issuance of a warrant and later confessed during police interrogation. He told officers that his niece, Mr Somchai’s wife, had suffered long-term physical abuse and had contacted him the night before the killing to say she had once again been assaulted.

 

According to police, Mr Jaroon advised his niece to leave the house and stay with her father. He then armed himself with a shotgun and confronted Mr Somchai at the orchard, shooting him dead before hiding the weapon and returning home.

 

Mr Jaroon now faces multiple charges, including murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a weapon in public without a permit.

 

Authorities noted that Mr Somchai was known to have struggled with substance abuse and had displayed violent behaviour on numerous occasions, allegedly attacking both his wife and property.

 

Police have taken Mr Jaroon into custody and are continuing their investigation. He is expected to be charged formally and brought before the court following a crime scene re-enactment and the recovery of the firearm used in the killing.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-08.