Man High on Drugs Fires Gun at Villager, Captured by Locals

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

A 57-year-old man was injured after a 47-year-old man, allegedly under the influence of drugs, fired a gun at him in Phatthalung province late on 19 September 2025. The shooter missed, leading to a struggle in which both men were hurt before local residents restrained the suspect. Police subsequently arrived to take the suspect into custody.

The incident occurred at around 23:00 in an alley beside Wat Tha Phao Tai, Moo 4, Chai Buri sub-district, Mueang Phatthalung district. Emergency responders found the victim, Mr Sakchai, with lacerations to his head and left arm and he was treated at Phatthalung Hospital. Nearby, the suspect, Mr Kamnuan, was found with head and leg injuries, wearing only a shirt and underwear, covered in mud.

According to the victim’s wife, Mrs Tatsana, the couple was returning from irrigating their rice fields when the suspect, appearing intoxicated, verbally abused them and fired a gun. The bullet missed, prompting Mr Sakchai to strike back with a machete, triggering a chaotic struggle. Local residents intervened to restrain the suspect before police arrived.

Villagers reported that Mr Kamnuan had a long history of drug-related behaviour and disturbances, including shooting slingshots at houses, verbally abusing neighbours and repeated conflicts with Mr Sakchai. Previous arrests had failed to prevent recurring incidents, leaving the community fearful.

The suspect claimed he had gone out to catch a crested bird and only encountered Mr Sakchai by chance. He said a dispute ensued and he fired his gun in self-defence as he felt threatened by a machete. Police have seized an improvised Thai-made gun, shotgun ammunition and a machete as evidence.

Authorities confirmed Mr Kamnuan is in custody and will face charges. The case highlights ongoing community concerns over local drug-related violence and the challenges of preventing repeat offences.

Key Takeaways

• A man fired a gun under the influence of drugs but missed, resulting in injuries to both him and the victim.

• Locals intervened to restrain the suspect before police took him into custody.

• Authorities seized a gun, ammunition, a machete and charges are pending.

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-09-21