Jealousy Cited in Fatal Shooting of Couple at PEA Housing

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

A fatal shooting involving a couple linked to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has left two people dead at staff housing in Prachantakham district, Prachinburi province, following New Year celebrations. Police said the incident occurred inside a PEA residence, where a male employee allegedly shot his partner before taking his own life, sending shockwaves through the local community and the workplace.

Officers from Prachantakham Police Station were alerted to the shooting on 2 January and attended a house within the PEA Prachantakham compound. Inside a bedroom, they found the body of Ms Kanchanee Phutthasorn, 38, with a single gunshot wound to the head. On the second floor, the body of Mr Weerachai Limcharoen, 36, a PEA electrician, was found with a single gunshot wound to the forehead and a 9mm handgun was recovered at the scene as evidence.

Investigators said the couple had been drinking with colleagues near the housing area on the night of 31 December 2025 while counting down to the New Year. After returning home, an argument reportedly continued, during which Mr Weerachai fired one shot at a television before shooting Ms Kanchanee. Police believe he then went upstairs and shot himself, fearing the consequences of his actions.

Family members provided further background to the relationship. Ms Kanchanee’s sister said her sibling had left home at about 10pm on 31 December, telling their mother she would return on the morning of 1 January 2026, but never did. Concerned relatives later went to the house, knocked without response and eventually entered to find both victims dead.

She added that Mr Weerachai often became aggressive when drinking and that the couple had been together for several years. Earlier in 2025, he had allegedly chased Ms Kanchanee with a gun at her home, later apologising and seeking to change his behaviour, after which she accompanied him to psychiatric treatment for almost a year. The sister said jealousy was a frequent cause of their arguments.

Mr Weerachai’s brother said he last spoke to him on 31 December, when he declined an invitation to celebrate New Year in Sa Kaeo, saying he would attend a gathering at his workplace instead. About three months earlier, Mr Weerachai had sent messages detailing his assets, which raised concerns, although the family said he had no financial or work-related problems. Friends told police he had suspected his partner of being supported by another man, though the facts were unclear.

Daily News reported police are continuing their investigation to formally conclude the case, while the bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations. Authorities said findings will be used to complete the inquiry and inform the families, as the PEA and local community prepare to address the impact of the tragedy.

Key Takeaways

• Police believe jealousy following New Year drinking led to the fatal shooting and suicide.

• Both victims were found with single gunshot wounds inside PEA staff housing.

• Families cited a history of alcohol-related aggression and relationship conflict.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-03