Palm Plantation Owner Shot Dead in Ambush in Chumphon

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

A palm plantation owner in Chumphon was found shot dead inside his pickup truck after an apparent ambush, prompting police to investigate three possible motives. The body of 40-year-old Chokanun Chimthong was discovered on 10 December 2025 in his green Isuzu single-cab truck on a dirt road within an oil-palm plantation in Moo 3, Ban Pruching, Pak Khlong Subdistrict, Pathio District. Police said he had been dead for at least 12 hours, with nine gunshot wounds to the body and head and damage to the vehicle’s front and left-side windows.

The incident came to light after a resident reported finding the body to officers from Ban Map Amarit Police Station, who arrived with medical personnel to examine the scene. Ten spent 11mm cartridges were recovered around 3–4 metres from the vehicle, near the victim’s small hut in the plantation. Officers also collected one 11mm bullet from on the victim’s body and another found inside the truck for forensic analysis.

Chokanun worked on a six-rai oil-palm plantation and lived separately from his wife, though they remained in contact. According to police, his wife said she last spoke to him at around 21:00 on 9 December, while a nearby witness reported hearing gunshots at approximately 23:00 on the same night. Investigators believe this was likely the time of the attack, which left blood pooled throughout the cabin and the victim slumped in the driver’s seat.

Police have identified three primary lines of inquiry. The first concerns potential conflict among fellow palm plantation workers and issues related to the sale of hardwood to a local wood-processing facility in Ban Map Amarit. The second involves possible links between the victim and individuals targeted for drug-related activities in the area, while the third relates to previous disputes with local influential figures over land issues.

Khoasod reported that Ban Map Amarit Police Station superintendent Pol Col Chanin Narongnoi said the victim preferred to spend time alone at his self-built hut on the plantation and rarely shared personal concerns, according to his wife. He confirmed that several witnesses had already been questioned but declined to disclose details, citing the ongoing investigative process. Police intend to pursue forensic evidence, interview additional witnesses and review potential conflicts to establish a clear motive.

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Key Takeaways

• Police are investigating the shooting death of palm farmer Chokanun Chimthong, found with nine gunshot wounds in his pickup truck.

• Three possible motives include disputes over plantation work, links to drug targets in the area, and prior land-related conflicts.

• Witnesses and forensic evidence are being examined as investigators work to determine the timeline and motive.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod.2025-12-11