Man Shot Dead at Funeral in Phatthalung, Suspect Surrenders

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

A 21-year-old man was shot dead during a funeral at a temple in Phatthalung province in the early hours of 17 January 2026, prompting a police investigation and the subsequent surrender of the suspected gunman. The shooting occurred shortly after midnight inside the temple grounds, causing shock among mourners attending the ceremony. Police confirmed the suspect later turned himself in and admitted to the killing.

The incident took place at Wat Khuan Pheng in Moo 10, Khok Sai subdistrict, Pa Bon district. Pol Col Somchai Janyang, superintendent of Pa Bon Police Station, led officers to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire. The victim, Mr Sittikorn, aged 21, a glass and aluminium technician, was found dead near the forecourt of the funeral pavilion.

Mr Sittikorn had been attending the funeral of a 93-year-old woman, which was being held from 14 to 18 January 2026. Police said he had been invited to the event by Mr Om, a nephew of the funeral host. Witnesses reported an argument between the victim and another man shortly before shots were fired.

Examination of the body showed Mr Sittikorn had been shot five times, with wounds to his forehead, shoulder and neck. Several bullets casing were recovered at the scene. The shooting happened in front of other attendees, intensifying distress at the funeral.

Relatives of the victim told police there had been a previous disagreement involving a missing phone charger, with allegations that Mr Sittikorn had taken it. His mother, however, stated that the men were close friends and had never been involved in serious conflict, adding that her son had messaged her shortly before the incident to say he was on his way home.

Following the shooting, police were initially unable to locate the suspect and launched a search for those involved. At around 06.00 on 17 January 2026, Mr Jarern, also known as Ek, aged 41, surrendered to investigators at Pa Bon Police Station. He handed over a .38 calibre handgun and confessed to shooting Mr Sittikorn.

Khoasod reported that Mr Ek told police he was angry after the victim photographed him while he was lying down keeping vigil over the body and shared the image with others. He said he had asked for the photo to be deleted, but the request was refused, leading to an argument and the shooting. Police sent him for gunshot residue testing and charged him with murder and illegal possession and carrying of a firearm.

Key Takeaways

• A 21-year-old man was shot dead during a funeral at a temple in Phatthalung on 17 January 2026.

• The suspect, a 41-year-old man, surrendered to police and admitted to the shooting.

• Police say the motive was an argument over photographs taken at the funeral.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-18