Land Dispute Turns Deadly as Relatives Exchange Gunfire

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A long-running land dispute between relatives erupted into deadly violence on the afternoon of 4 June, in Surat Thani province, leaving one man dead and another critically injured after a gunfight broke out during a failed attempt to mediate the conflict.

At approximately 17:00, police were alerted to a shooting in the Chuea Fueang area of Moo 2, Takuk Nuea subdistrict, in Wiwat District. Pol. Lt. Col. Pornthip Chumsri, an investigative officer at Wiwat Police Station, arrived at the scene alongside the district police chief, forensic officers from Region 8 and local rescue personnel.

Investigators discovered pools of blood and spent cartridges from both 9mm and 11mm firearms scattered across the ground in Soi Mor Phon. Two men were seriously injured in the confrontation and were rushed to Wiwat Hospital.

One of the victims, 54-year-old Mr. Kriatsak Sarot, suffered a gunshot wound to the right side of his chest and remains in critical condition. The second man, Mr. Narit Wirot, 35, sustained a gunshot wound to the head and later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are currently seeking Mr. Apichet Sarot, Mr. Kriatsak’s son, who reportedly fled the scene following the incident.

Ms. Yupawan Chanon, the 36-year-old wife of the deceased Mr. Narit, explained that although Soi Mor Phon is a public road, it runs through land owned by the opposing family. This access route is used by her family to reach their rubber and durian plantations, which lie adjacent to the disputed property. The disagreement had been simmering for some time.

According to Ms. Yupawan, tensions had previously escalated when members of the opposing family were seen walking around their property armed with rifles. She also claimed her husband had been wrongly accused of dumping chicken remains near the neighbours’ house and stealing a mortar.

Mr. Natthawut Wirot, 32, a cousin of the deceased and a relative of the accused, said the two families had agreed to meet to discuss the land boundaries and a water pipe installation. The meeting was held in the presence of the local village headwoman, but when negotiations broke down, violence erupted.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances of the incident and to pursue legal proceedings against those responsible.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-06