Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Violence erupted in the early hours of 1 June, as a 32-year-old man was fatally shot in a suspected personal dispute outside a monk ordination celebration in Phetchaburi’s Mueang district.

 

The victim, later identified as Mr. Sakditat, a local cowherd from Don Yang sub-district, was killed instantly after being shot multiple times with a 9mm firearm. The incident occurred around 00:05, on the roadside of the Nong Bo–Bo Wai route, in front of the ordination celebration venue for a local man named Phonphiphat.

 

Upon being alerted to the incident, Pol. Lt. Col. Prakit Tonmaithong, duty inspector at Rajabhat Phetchaburi University Police Substation, responded along with senior officials including Pol. Col. Chokchai Nielsen, the superintendent of Mueang Phetchaburi Police Station. Forensic officers, medical staff from Phra Chomklao Hospital and local rescue volunteers also attended the scene.

 

The deceased was found lying on the road near his parked grey Honda ADV motorbike. Eight spent 9mm Super casings were recovered nearby. A pistol holster was found on the victim’s waist, and a loaded 9mm handgun believed to be his was located by his feet. A post-mortem revealed eight gunshot wounds, including to the chest, head, shoulder, side and limbs.

 

According to Ms. Suthicha, the victim’s 29-year-old cousin, Mr. Sakditat had earlier dropped off his five-year-old son at her house, telling her someone had called and asked to meet him. About ten minutes later, she was informed he had been shot.

 

She stated that the victim had never mentioned having any disputes or conflicts with anyone.

 

Local headman Mr. Ram Phukngam recounted that just prior to the shooting, he was alerted by villagers that some young men appeared to be on the verge of a confrontation near the celebration entrance. He arrived to see Mr. Sakditat arguing with several youths and attempted to defuse the situation. As loud music blared from the stage, a series of gunshots rang out. When he turned back, he saw the victim collapse while the assailants fled the scene on motorcycles.

 

Pol. Col. Chokchai confirmed that the suspect has been identified and efforts are underway to locate and arrest the individual. While the motive remains unclear, investigators suspect a personal dispute may have led to the shooting.

 

Authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses as part of their ongoing investigation.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-02.

 

 

 

Loud music is probably the cause of the problem. Especially in Phetchaburi it is common almost everyday to hear that there is a party somewhere ... Music levels are so terrible high, except when it is near the Major his house... and nobody is doing anything about it, but I am not surprised that people are stressed and do things like this... And of course more of this story will follow as news hardly investigate what happened

UPDATE
Gunman Surrenders After Fatal Shooting of Cattle Farmer at Thai Ordination Ceremony

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A gunman who allegedly shot and killed a 31-year-old cattle farmer during a Buddhist ordination celebration has surrendered to police, amid allegations the murder was politically motivated.

 

The victim, Mr Sakditat “Nook” , a cattle farmer by trade, was shot multiple times late on 1 June in front of a local official’s residence during a party marking the ordination of the official’s nephew. The incident occurred in Don Yang subdistrict, Mueang Phetchaburi District, along the Nong Bo–Bo Wai Road.

 

The suspect, identified as Mr Boonthavee “Ek”, turned himself in at Mueang Phetchaburi Police Station. He has been charged with three offences: murder, discharging a firearm in a public area and illegal possession of a firearm. He is currently in custody and being questioned.

 

The victim’s mother, Ms Napak, believes her son was deliberately lured to the event under false pretences and murdered due to an ongoing local political feud. She claims she has long-standing tensions with a village headman who lost to her in a subdistrict administrative organisation (SAO) election three years ago. According to her, the headman may have mistakenly believed she was planning to run for SAO president in the upcoming November elections and targeted her son as a key supporter and public figure.

 

Ms Napak said she had warned her son not to attend the ordination celebration. However, he received a phone call falsely claiming that his uncle had been involved in a fight at the event. Acting on concern, he left the house and was later found shot dead.

 

She believes the phone call was a ruse to lure him into an ambush. She also expressed doubt that the gunman acted alone, suggesting someone with influence may have orchestrated the killing. She noted that the suspect was once a close friend of her son, adding to her suspicions.

 

The funeral at the victim’s home began on the morning of 2 June and is planned to last nine nights. Ms Napak has declared she will not cremate her son’s body until the person she believes masterminded the murder is arrested and brought to justice.

 

She also submitted a formal objection to the suspect being granted bail, citing safety concerns. “The suspect is connected to influential figures in the area,” she said, adding that she fears for her family’s safety if he is released.

 

The case has sparked public concern over local political tensions and the abuse of power in rural communities. Police investigations are ongoing.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-03.

 

 

 

The story here is different.. Indeed mother will not cremate her son until justice is done, but as high ranked people are involved ( maffia) they don't believe that justice can and will be done...