Triple Shooting in Nakhon Si Thammarat: Gunman Kills Two Before Taking His Own Life

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A shooting incident unfolded in the district of Chawang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, on the afternoon of 18 May, leaving three men dead in what appears to be a revenge-fuelled murder-suicide.

According to Pol. Lt. Sutsakorn Sombatsorn, an investigator with Chawang Police Station, officers were alerted to the incident around 14:00 and responded to the scene accompanied by a forensic team, medical staff from Chawang Crown Prince Hospital and local rescue foundations.

The first victim, identified as Mr Narong, also known as “Bao”, aged 49, was found dead on the road in front of a local resort in Moo 2, Chawang sub-district. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head from a 9mm handgun, with approximately five to six bullets fired, causing fatal head injuries.

Roughly 200 metres away, within the the resort, a second victim was found. Identified as Mr Natthakit, or “Thiw”, aged 26, he had also been shot multiple times, four to five rounds from the same firearm.

The shooter, identified as Mr Suraphan or “James”, aged 36, was later discovered dead in nearby woodland, having turned the gun on himself. A 9mm pistol, believed to be the weapon used in all three deaths, was found next to his body. In total, 14 spent shell casings were recovered from the three crime scenes.

Initial investigations revealed that Mr Suraphan had longstanding disputes with both Mr Narong and Mr Natthakit, possibly involving debt or other personal grievances. It is believed he confronted Mr Narong in a nearby alleyway and opened fire. Mr Narong attempted to flee but collapsed on the road and was shot again at close range.

Mr Natthakit, having heard the gunfire, reportedly exited his resort room to investigate and encountered Mr Suraphan returning to the alley. Suraphan then allegedly shot Mr Natthakit dead before fleeing into the grassland, where he committed suicide.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the attack occurred in broad daylight and in the presence of multiple people.

Pol. Col. Suthat Songsayom, deputy commander of Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police, said the motive is still under investigation, though initial evidence points towards a personal vendetta or dispute over financial matters. Authorities are continuing their inquiry to establish a clearer picture of the motive behind this event.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-19.