Man Shot Dead in Palm Plantation Ambush in Surat Thani

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A 40-year-old man was fatally shot in the face in what appears to be a targeted ambush in a remote palm oil plantation in Kiri Rat Nikhom district. Police are actively investigating the case and working to identify the perpetrator.

The incident occurred around 21:00 on 10 July in Moo 11, Nam Hak subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Pattarawit Kittisrisuwan, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) at Kiri Rat Nikhom Police Station, received the emergency call and responded immediately with Police Colonel Narong Rakprathum, the station’s superintendent, along with investigators, forensic experts from Region 8 and rescue personnel.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a black-and-red Honda Wave 110 motorcycle overturned on the ground. Approximately five metres away lay the body of the victim, later identified as Mr. Thawatchai Suphatkaew, aged 40. He was found lying on his back, wearing a navy blue tracksuit jacket and black jeans, with a fatal gunshot wound to the face. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The location, a secluded palm plantation, offered little immediate evidence. There were no eyewitnesses, as the area was largely deserted at the time of the incident. The circumstances suggest the shooter may have been lying in wait before executing the attack at close range.

Investigators are now questioning the victim’s relatives and acquaintances to gather information on possible motives and suspects. Police have yet to determine the calibre of the weapon used or identify any suspects but are treating the case as a premeditated killing.

Authorities have vowed to track down those responsible and bring them to justice, with a full forensic examination and continued interviews expected in the coming days.