Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A 59-year-old man was shot dead in a roadside attack in Long district, Phrae province, late on 17 December, prompting a police manhunt for the gunman. The victim was found lying face down in a pool of blood beside a village road, with multiple shotgun wounds to his back and chest. The killing has shocked local residents and left the victim’s family searching for answers.

 

Police said the shooting occurred at about 9.30pm on a village road in Moo 2, Mae Pan subdistrict, Long district. Investigators from Long Police Station were alerted and informed Police Colonel Bamrung Nomsiap, the station superintendent, before officers, detectives and a duty doctor rushed to the scene. The area was dark and officers described being confronted with a grim discovery on arrival.

 

The victim was identified as Mr Sompong Wongkhamkaew, aged 59. He was wearing a black jacket and black shorts and was found with eight shotgun pellet wounds to the left shoulder blade, with additional exit wounds visible near the collarbone at the front. About two metres from the body, police found his red Honda Wave motorcycle, registration from Phrae, lying on its side.

 

According to investigators, the wounds suggest the gunman fired at close range from behind. Police believe the attacker fled the scene on a motorcycle immediately after the shooting. No weapon has yet been recovered.

 

Mr Jeerapun Wongkhamkaew, the victim’s son, told police he had spoken to his father by telephone at around 8pm, about an hour and a half before the shooting. He said his father was at home, spoke normally, and showed no sign of distress or concern. He added that his father worked honestly, had no known disputes, and was not aware of any enemies who might have wanted to harm him.

 

A local resident who lives near the scene told police they heard a single gunshot followed by the sound of a motorcycle falling. Because it was late at night and very dark, the witness did not immediately go outside and did not see the suspect or the direction of escape. No other witnesses have so far been identified.

 

Amarin reported that police said initial inquiries suggest the gunman may have been someone known to the victim or linked to a personal conflict, though no motive has been confirmed. Officers are continuing to interview residents, review the victim’s recent movements and track possible escape routes from the area.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A 59-year-old man was shot dead with a shotgun on a village road in Long district, Phrae, on 17 December.

• Police found multiple pellet wounds to the victim’s back and chest, and believe the gunman fled by motorcycle.

• Investigators say the motive remains unclear, with the victim’s family stating he had no known conflicts.

 

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 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Amarin 2025-12-19

 

 

Cowards shoot in the back.