Pictures courtesy of Naewna

A 39-year-old woman was shot dead while riding her motorcycle in Phatthalung province early on Friday, 9 January 2026, in what police believe was a targeted killing linked to a collapsed informal savings scheme. The victim was found beside a quiet road in Pa Bon district, prompting an intensive police investigation and renewed concern over violent disputes tied to debt.

Police said the victim, identified as Ms Patama, known locally as “Madam Pat”, was a pork stall worker at the Mae Khri municipal fresh market. She was discovered dead in a roadside ditch along the Korp–Khuan Khiam road in Moo 2, Ban Khuan Ton Bok, Pa Bon subdistrict, Pa Bon district. Her motorcycle was found toppled nearby, along with two 9mm bullet casings.

According to investigators, Ms Patama left her home at about 2.00am to travel to work as usual but never arrived. Her employer and colleagues became concerned and began searching for her, eventually finding her body about three kilometres from her home. The shooting is believed to have occurred during her normal commute.

Police reports state that Ms Patama was shot three times with a 9mm handgun, sustaining gunshot wounds to the left chest area, the lower back and a close-range shot to the head. The nature of the injuries led officers to conclude that the attacker intended to kill. Authorities believe the suspect was familiar with her routine and lay in wait at a secluded spot.

The case is being handled by Pol Capt Wiroj Prabpree, an investigating officer at Pa Bon Police Station, who led officers to examine the scene. Initial enquiries are focusing on a possible motive linked to financial disputes. Police said the victim had previously acted as an organiser of an informal savings group, known as a “share” and had also sold lottery tickets.

Investigators believe the savings group collapsed in 2024, leaving outstanding debts. Although the victim was reported to have sold personal assets and taken up work as a pork stall employee to repay creditors, police suspect lingering resentment from at least one creditor may have escalated into violence. Officers stressed that other personal conflicts have not been ruled out.

Naewna reported that police are now questioning people close to the victim and gathering further evidence to identify and locate the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing, with officers pledging to pursue all relevant leads and bring those responsible to justice.

Key Takeaways

• A 39-year-old pork stall worker was shot dead while riding her motorcycle in Pa Bon district, Phatthalung.

• Police suspect the killing was planned and may be linked to debts from a collapsed savings group in 2024.

• Investigators are questioning associates and examining evidence to track down the gunman.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Naewna 2026-01-10

 

 

UPDATE

39-Year-Old Arrested Over Killing of Former Share Ring Organiser

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

Police in Phatthalung have arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman known as “Madam Pat”, an alleged former share ring organiser, with investigators citing strong forensic evidence despite the suspect’s denial of all charges. The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has drawn attention due to the targeted nature of the killing and the victim’s past involvement in informal financial schemes.

The suspect, identified as Mr Somsak, aged 39, was taken into custody on Saturday, 17 January 2026, at approximately 09.30, outside his residence in Moo 8, Wang Mai subdistrict, Pa Bon district, Phatthalung province. Police acted under an arrest warrant issued by the Phatthalung Provincial Court on the same day, charging him with homicide, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and carrying a firearm in a public place without justified cause.

The case stems from the killing of Ms Patthama, also known as “Madam Pat”, aged 39, who was shot dead in the early hours of 9 January 2026. The incident occurred on the Korp–Khuan Kiam Road in Moo 2, Ban Khuan Ton Bok, Pa Bon subdistrict, Pa Bon district. According to investigators, the assailant followed and shot the victim with a 9mm handgun, resulting in her death at the scene.

Ms Patthama was described as a pork stall worker at a fresh market and a former operator of a share ring. Police have not disclosed a motive, but the victim’s background and the execution-style nature of the attack prompted an intensive investigation involving provincial and local officers.

Pol Col Yutthasak Iamsunthorn, chief of the Investigation Division of Phatthalung Provincial Police, led the operation alongside officers from the provincial investigation unit and Pa Bon Police Station. Authorities stated that key evidence, particularly forensic evidence, was instrumental in linking the suspect to the crime and securing court approval for the arrest warrant.

Despite the evidence cited by police, Mr Somsak has denied all charges during initial questioning. Investigators have confirmed that he has been transferred to inquiry officers for further legal proceedings in accordance with the law.

Naewna reported that the case is now expected to move into the formal prosecution phase. Police will continue to compile evidence and question witnesses as part of the ongoing judicial process.

Key Takeaways

• Police arrested a 39-year-old suspect on 17 January in connection with the shooting death of “Madam Pat”.

• The victim was killed on 9 January on a road in Pa Bon district, Phatthalung, using a 9mm handgun.

• The suspect denies all charges, while police cite strong forensic evidence supporting the case.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Naewna 2026-01-19