Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

A 68-year-old Thai man has been arrested after shooting a neighbour in what police described as a long-harboured act of revenge for an attack on his pet dog.

 

The incident occurred on a village road in Moo 5, Ton Pho subdistrict, in the province of Sing Buri. Police were alerted to the shooting and found the victim, 42-year-old Mr. Sainatee, suffering from a gunshot wound. The bullet, fired from a .45 calibre handgun, entered his right wrist and exited through his right shoulder. He was rushed to Sing Buri Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

 

According to police, Mr. Sainatee, who works as a fishpond guard, had been driving normally through the area when he was suddenly pursued by another vehicle. The driver then pulled up alongside and opened fire without warning. The victim recognised his assailant as a nearby resident and managed to flee to safety.

 

Police later located the alleged gunman, identified as Mr. Phetchayan, at his home roughly 500 metres from the scene. He was found calmly spraying weedkiller in his garden when officers arrived. When questioned, Mr. Phetchayan confessed to the shooting and handed over the weapon used.

 

In a startling admission, he told police he had held a grudge against Mr. Sainatee since 18 November 2024, when the latter allegedly slashed his dog, named “Nang Oh,” with a knife during a late-night altercation. Mr. Phetchayan claimed the neighbour frequently trespassed on his property at night, shining a headlamp which caused the dog to bark and wake him up. He said he had resolved to retaliate if they ever crossed paths again.

 

“I saw him this morning while I was out buying groceries, so I took my gun and shot him,” he told investigators. “I’ve held on to that anger ever since he hurt my dog.”

 

Mr. Phetchayan, a retired maritime engineer, now lives a quiet life farming and raising fish. His nephew, Mr. Chaipol, told reporters that his uncle was not a violent man. “He’s not the type to cause trouble, but he’s had a tough time in recent years. Even his fish have been stolen,” he said. “He must have been deeply hurt and couldn’t let it go.”

 

Police have taken Mr. Phetchayan into custody and charged him with attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Investigations are ongoing.

 

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-10.

 

 

 

 

That's a shame.   Better aim would have kept him out of trouble and arrest free.